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A New Broadband, Room Temperature Standard Reference Radiometer for High Accuracy Intercomparison of Radiometric Scales and Instrument Calibration
No full textFrequent intercomparisons between radiometric scales are the foundation of low uncertainty, absolute radiometry. However, radiometric scales are typically established by semi-permanent installations such as cryogenic radiometers and blackbody sources that would require substantial cost and effort to temporarily relocate for intercomparisons. These challenges are often circumvented by using transfer standards. Transfer standards are convenient but add to the overall measurement uncertainty and often multiple standards are needed to cover a broad wavelength range.
We present the development of a compact, room temperature standard reference electrical substitution radiometer (ESR). The radiance, irradiance, and power radiometer (RIPR) incorporates a vertically aligned carbon nanotube absorber to provide high sensitivity over a broad spectral range from the ultraviolet to the far infrared (i.e., 0.2 μm to beyond 100 μm) in a single package. The ESR detector in the RIPR provides an SI traceable absolute power scale. With the addition of a calibrated aperture in front of the detector an absolute irradiance scale is realized. Furthermore, inclusion of a second calibrated aperture a fixed distance from the first realizes an absolute radiance scale. The design is compact and easily configured for different radiometric measurements by underfilling or overfilling the detector aperture for power and irradiance measurements, respectively, or by adding a modular optical baffle and second calibrated aperture for radiance measurements. The size of the detector configured for power or irradiance measurements is 64 mm long by 38 mm wide by 20 mm deep. When configured for radiance an additional 215 mm long optical baffle assembly is included.
We have demonstrated a power noise floor of 0.5 nW for a 20 second integration period, which translates to 25 μW m-2 in irradiance for a 5 mm diameter aperture and 0.05 W m-2 sr-1 in radiance for two 5 mm diameter apertures spaced 200 mm apart. We have validated the RIPR power and irradiance scales against the NIST traceable LASP NACR5 reference detector and observe agreement to within 250 ppm in both power and irradiance. We are currently in the process of validating the RIPR radiance scale against LASP blackbody sources.
We intend to fabricate a number of these radiometers to enable frequent, straightforward intercomparisons with established radiometric scales worldwide, as well as provide a service center of standard reference radiometers available to other labs and institutes for instrument calibrations
Spectral-Spatial Ground Targets for Measurement of Airborne Electro-Optical Imaging System Performance
No full textTargets located on the Precision Impact Range Area (PIRA) of Edwards AFB are used to evaluate imaging systems’ sensitivity and spatial resolution to ensure they meet specified requirements. Spectral Sciences, Inc., is developing a field-ready electro-optical sensor calibration/test system for airborne instruments from the visible through longwave infrared. This spectral region is particularly challenging because of the contributions from both solar and thermal fluxes. The system is composed of spectral-spatial ground targets and atmospheric characterization instruments. The design challenges for a new ground target installation applicable over short to long ranges and a broad optical spectrum include: 1) development of an innovative spectral-spatial, high contrast, high uniformity, knife edge target for determination of the spatial characteristics of the imaging system under test, such as the modulation transfer function (MTF) and relative edge response (RER), noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), linearity and more; 2) development and implementation of a suite of auxiliary instruments to quantify the atmospheric effects, such as line-ofsight (LOS) turbulence, surface temperatures, humidity, and visibility; 3) development of targets with stable, quantifiable spectral response that can be used for evaluation for the spectral characteristics of multi- or hyperspectral imaging systems; and 4) engineering the target set for simplified long-term maintenance and durability. In this paper we will report on the development of a prototype 2m by 2m thermally controlled knife edge target. The target is composed of four 1m by 1m panels each of which has independent temperature control and face surface materials which can be exchanged with other panel faces to produce patterns or spectral features. The full prototype system can be rotated and tipped to maximize the surface area apparent to a sensor system under test. The paper will include initial field measurements of the target array using visible, MWIR and LWIR imaging systems
Statice Cut Flower Production in Utah
No full textStatice is a cut-and-come-again, full-sun annual with clustered, papery blooms. Plants have lower water needs and a moderate tolerance to salinity, making this crop a sustainable choice for cut flower production in Utah and other states with water and soil limitations. This fact sheet provides information on statice cultivars, site preparation, germination, transplanting and spacing, trellising, nutrient management, harvest, economics for producers, and pest and disease management
Managing Chickens From Chicks to Peak Egg Production
No full textChickens were first domesticated for cultural purposes, but selective breeding has focused on egg production. Choosing the right breeds and good management practices are essential for farmers to maximize egg yield, quality, and safety. This fact sheet covers poultry history, top egg-laying breeds, egg anatomy, nutrition, and practical tips to help farmers improve productivity and run successful egg production ventures
Plant biomass (dry) per square meter
No full textResults of plant biomass clippings (dry mass / square meter) conducted in the foothills of the Henry Mountains, south-central Utah, over 2012-2022
Faculty Senate Agenda November 3, 2025
No full text3:00 Call to Order Approval of Minutes October 6, 2025 3:05 University Business 3:20 Faculty Senate Business 3:30 Information EPC Report - October 2, 2025 3:45 Report Athletics Council Annual Report Library Advisory Council Annual Report Academic Freedom and Tenure Annual Report 4:10 Old Business 4:15 New Business Adjourn: 4:30 p
A Guide to Breaking Seed Dormancy of Common Wetland Plant Species
No full textThis guide was developed from a series of seed dormancy break and germination experiments conducted over 4 years with 41 species. The purpose of this guide is to synthesize the information we learned through these experiments and present the findings for those interested in breaking seed dormancy, such as land managers, restoration practitioners, and wetland researchers. Ultimately, we hope this guidance catalyzes further wetland restoration throughout the Intermountain West
White Bryony (Bryonia alba)
No full textWhite bryony is more than just a nuisance plant. It is an aggressive, perennial vine that threatens riparian ecosystems, agricultural lands, and residential landscapes by destructively smothering vegetation. Additionally, its toxicity poses risks to people, livestock, and pets. Early detection and consistent management are critical to reducing its spread in Utah
From Mechanisms to Management: Implications of Biogeochemical Controllers and Land Management for Soil Carbon Cycling and Storage
No full textClimate change and its cascading effects are driven by increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Many climate solutions exists to remove this excess carbon (C) from the atmosphere, and soils, in particular, represent one of the few win-win solutions. Soils play a vital role in the global C cycle because they store more C than plants and the atmosphere combined, however, they also release more CO2 annually than fossil fuel combustion (a major contributor to accelerating climate change). Therefore, preventing CO2 loss from soil could help slow the progression of climate change, and increasing overall soil C storage could even help reverse climate change. Furthermore, improving soil C stocks in natural and managed systems is associated with many co-benefits, including (but not limited to) greater plant growth, suggesting that soil C sequestration may result in greater crop production, enhanced ecosystem resilience, and potentially greater biodiversity. And while soil C sequestration may help ameliorate many of the world’s environmental problems, a better understanding of how soil C is lost and gained under different conditions is required to implement large scale C sequestration practices. In this dissertation, I used a combination of laboratory and field experiments to better understand 1) conflicting soil C responses to nitrogen (N) deposition, 2) how soil pH changes microbial decomposition and if those changes alter soil C losses and gains, and 3) if cattle grazing can be used to increase plant growth in rangelands and facilitate soil C sequestration. Collectively, this dissertation advances our understanding of mechanisms controlling soil C responses to climate change, while also demonstrating that large scale soil C sequestration is readily feasible
Target Consumers for Bottled Mild Salsa
No full textIn the fall of 2024, researchers at Utah State University (USU) studied western U.S. consumer preferences and willingness to pay for regionally sourced processed food products. Researchers examined consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and pricing for three processed food products, one of which was bottled mild salsa (16-ounce bottle). This fact sheet describes the target market (consumer group) for bottled mild salsa. Target consumers were identified as those who consume salsa at least several times weekly