Calibration of a germanium bolometer for use in cold-background radiometric testing

A germanium bolometer has been obtained and evaluated for possible use in radiometric testing. The instrument and test procedures are described, and results are presented which detail the bolometer's response to a variety of operating conditions. Suggested improvements to the bolometer and the test procedure are given for future work. It is concluded that the bolometer is highly repeatable and will be a useful tool in the transfer of radometric calibration.