Absolute radiometers (PMO6) and their experimental characterization

Attention is given to the design features, operational modes and performance capabilities of a PMO6-type absolute cavity radiometer based on the principle of electrical power substitution for radiative power in solar radiometry applications, with emphasis on the development history of their operations' characterization through laboratory experiments. These characterizations have demonstrated a solar radiometric accuracy for PMO6 devices of 0.12 percent from space and 0.17 from the ground. The characterization method developed can be repeated whenever the instrument exhibits a degree of degradation.