Millimetric electromagnetic radiation of a lightning return stroke

The paper reports results of recording the pulsed microwave radiation of return lightning strokes using a high–time–resolution, 8–mm–wavelength radiometer. The procedure of recording pulsed radiations with millimetric wavelength is briefly described. The complex shape of the recorded pulses is shown to be due to the features of the current system within the antenna spot at the initial stage of a lightning return stroke.