Ultraviolet-proton radiation effects on solar concentrator reflective surfaces Final report, Jun. 1965 - Aug. 1967
Ultraviolet-proton radiation effects on solar concentrator reflective surfaces
Gillette, R. B.↗
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SNPP VIIRS RSB on-orbit radiometric calibration algorithms Version 2.0 and the performances. Part II: The performances
In Part I (Lei et. al, submitted to J. of Appl. Rem. Sens.),we gave detailed reviews of the algorithms Version 2.0 used for the on-orbit radiometric calibration of the reflective solar bands (RSBs) of the first Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instrument. These algorithms improve the accuracy of the measured on-orbit change factor of the solar diffuser bidirectional reflectance distribution function, the H-factor, and reveal that the H-factor is angle dependent. With the help of lunar observations and the improved H-factor, the algorithms give more accurate values for the RSB detector on-orbit F-factor changes (F-factor is a correction factor to the initially retrieved scene spectral radiance). In this paper we review the RSB radiometric calibration performances. We show the H-factor temporal trend, the estimated uncertainty of the retrieved H-factor, and the F-factor temporal trend. Additionally we show the detector signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the estimated uncertainty of the top-of-the-atmosphere solar spectral reflectance, the reflectance temporal trend for the Libya 4 desert, and the differences in the reflectances among the SNPP and the NOAA-20 VIIRS, and the Aqua MODIS. Our results show that although the SNRs trend downwards, they exceed the requirements by large margins. The reflectances from the Libya 4 desert show that the SNPP VIIRS’ reflectance is higher than those of the Aqua MODIS and the NOAA-20 VIIRS
Ning Lei↗
Vertical Photon Transport in Cloud Remote Sensing Problems
Photon transport in plane-parallel, vertically inhomogeneous clouds is investigated and applied to cloud remote sensing techniques that use solar reflectance or transmittance measurements for retrieving droplet effective radius. Transport is couched in terms of weighting functions which approximate the relative contribution of individual layers to the overall retrieval. Two vertical weightings are investigated, including one based on the average number of scatterings encountered by reflected and transmitted photons in any given layer. A simpler vertical weighting based on the maximum penetration of reflected photons proves useful for solar reflectance measurements. These weighting functions are highly dependent on droplet absorption and solar/viewing geometry. A superposition technique, using adding/doubling radiative transfer procedures, is derived to accurately determine both weightings, avoiding time consuming Monte Carlo methods. Superposition calculations are made for a variety of geometries and cloud models, and selected results are compared with Monte Carlo calculations. Effective radius retrievals from modeled vertically inhomogeneous liquid water clouds are then made using the standard near-infrared bands, and compared with size estimates based on the proposed weighting functions. Agreement between the two methods is generally within several tenths of a micrometer, much better than expected retrieval accuracy. Though the emphasis is on photon transport in clouds, the derived weightings can be applied to any multiple scattering plane-parallel radiative transfer problem, including arbitrary combinations of cloud, aerosol, and gas layers.
Platnick, S.↗
Automated Uas Measurements of Reflectance and Solar Induced Florescence (SIF) for Assessment Of the Dinamics in Photosynthetic Function, Application for Maze (Zea Mays L.) in Greenbelt, Maryland, Us
For accurate assessment of vegetation function there is a strong need for advancement in the remote sensing methods and instruments, to enable monitoring of the parameters governing photosynthesis at the temporal frequency relevant to their dynamics and at a spatial scale that allows practical assessment and management. Currently, no single sensor can provide data at the desired high temporal, spectral and spatial resolutions. Our field measurements obtained using the integrated UAS Piccolo system during the summers of2017 and 2018 demonstrate that science quality reflectance and solar induced fluorescence (SIF) data can be retrieved with high temporal frequency using small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The implemented approach facilitates data comparisons through space and time, and the integration with other spectral satellite and airborne data. This investigation contributes for bridging the gap in Earth observation between field and airborne measurements by implementing autonomous methods for obtaining high temporal frequency spectroscopy measurements from an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at various illumination conditions. An advancement in the Intelligent Payload Module (IPM) facilitated the implementation of an optimization workflow to collect spectral data for characterizing vegetation reflectance and solar induced fluorescence (SIF).
Petya Campbell↗
Harnessing CPF Hyperspectral Radiances to Homogenize Earth Observing Systems
Homogenization across Earth observing systems is essential for ensuring consistency in geophysical retrievals over time and enabling the construction of long-term climate records. As the first SI Traceable Satellite (SITSat) for the reflected solar, the CLARREO Pathfinder (CPF) will provide high-accuracy spectrally resolved benchmark measurements of Earth-reflected solar radiation, serving as a standardized in-orbit reference for other reflected solar (RS) instruments. The CPF intercalibration team has developed a state-of-the-art method to intercalibrate the RS channels of the VIIRS instrument onboard the NOAA-20 satellite using CPF benchmark measurements, aiming for a methodology uncertainty of 0.3-0.6% (1-sigma). To achieve this stringent accuracy, the CPF team has devised strategies to mitigate the effects of spatial, spectral, polarization, and angular disparities between the intercalibration footprints of CPF and VIIRS. Despite nearly identical instrument designs, the three VIIRS instruments currently in operation onboard SNPP, NOAA-20, and NOAA-21 platforms exhibit systematic radiometric biases up to 8%. Although each VIIRS sensor’s calibration is independent and traceable to standards maintained by NIST, there is significant concern within the community about which VIIRS sensor most accurately represents the absolute radiometric scale. The precise intercalibration between CPF and NOAA-20 VIIRS will reveal the absolute radiometric accuracy of VIIRS. This accuracy can then be extended to other RS sensors, including MODIS and other VIIRS sensors, via vicarious methods. The 3-nm spectral sampling of CPF measurements will enable users to quantify scene-dependent spectral biases between sensors, thereby aiding in establishing both spectral and radiometric homogenization across these platforms. The CPF mission overview, along with details of its intercalibration capabilities and homogenization approaches, will be discussed at the meeting.
Raj Bhatt↗
Analysis of the reflective multibandgap solar cell concept
A new and unique approach to improving photovoltaic conversion efficiency, the reflective multiband gap solar cell concept, was examined. This concept uses back surface reflectors and light trapping with several physically separated cells of different bandgaps to make more effective use of energy from different portions of the solar spectrum. Preliminary tests performed under General Dynamics Independent Research and Development (IRAD) funding have demonstrated the capability for achieving in excess of 20% conversion efficiency with aluminum gallium arsenide and silicon. This study analyzed the ultimate potential for high conversion efficiency with 2, 3, 4, and 5 different bandgap materials, determined the appropriate bandgaps needed to achieve this optimized efficiency, and identified potential problems or constraints. The analysis indicated that an improvement in efficiency of better than 40% could be attained in this multibandgap approach, compared to a single bandgap converter under the same assumptions. Increased absorption loss on the back surface reflector was found to incur a minimal penalty on efficiency for two and three bandgap systems. Current models for bulk absorption losses in 3-5 materials were found to be inadequate for explaining laboratory observed transmission losses. Recommendations included the continued development of high bandgap back surface reflector cells and basic research on semiconductor absorption mechanisms.
Stern, T. G.↗
Orbiter radiator panel solar focusing test
A test was conducted to determine the solar reflections from the Orbiter radiator panels. A one-tenth scale model of the forward and mid-forward radiator panels in the deployed position was utilized in the test. Test data was obtained to define the reflected one-sun envelope for the embossed silver/Teflon radiator coating. The effects of the double contour on the forward radiator panels were included in the test. Solar concentrations of 2 suns were measured and the one-sun envelope was found to extend approximately 86 inches above the radiator panel. A limited amount of test data was also obtained for the radiator panels with the smooth silver/Teflon coating to support the planned EVA on the Orbiter STS-5 flight. Reflected solar flux concentrations as high as 8 suns were observed with the smooth coating and the one-sun envelope was determined to extend 195 inches above the panel. It is recommended that additional testing be conducted to define the reflected solar environment beyond the one-sun boundary.
Howell, H. R.↗
Estimating Expressed Temperature and Fractional Area of Hot Lava at the Kilauea Vent with AVIRIS Spectral Measurements
Imaging spectroscopy offers a framework based in physics and chemistry for scientific investigation of a wide range of phenomena of interest in the Earth environment. In the scientific discipline of volcanology knowledge of lava temperature and distribution at the surface provides insight into the volcano status and subsurface processes. A remote sensing strategy to measure surface lava temperatures and distribution would support volcanology research. Hot targets such as molten lava emit spectral radiance as a function of temperature. A figure shows a series of Planck functions calculated radiance spectra for hot targets at different temperatures. A maximum Lambertian solar reflected radiance spectrum is shown as well. While similar in form, each hot target spectrum has a unique spectral shape and is distinct from the solar reflected radiance spectrum. Based on this temperature-dependent signature, imaging spectroscopy provides an innovative approach for the remote-sensing-based measurement of lava temperature. A natural site for investigation of the measurement of lava temperature is the Big Island of Hawaii where molten lava from the Kilauea vent is present at the surface. In the past, Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data sets have been used for the analysis of hot volcanic targets and hot burning fires. The research presented here builds upon and extends this earlier work. The year 2000 Hawaii AVIRIS data set has been analyzed to derive lava temperatures taking into account factors of fractional fill, solar reflected radiance, and atmospheric attenuation of the surface emitted radiance. The measurements, analyses, and current results for this research are presented here.
Green, Robert O.↗
Atmospheric transformation of solar radiation reflected from the ocean
Airborne measurements of the brightness spectrum of the Atlantic Ocean in the wavelength region from 0.4 to 0.7 micron are analyzed. These measurements were made over a tropical region of the Atlantic from an aircraft at heights of 0.3 and 10.5 km during the TROPEX-72 experiment. The results are used to estimate the contribution of the atmosphere to the overall brightness of the ocean-atmosphere system. It is concluded that: (1) the atmosphere decreases the absolute brightness of the ocean by a factor of 5 to 10 and also strongly affects the spectral behavior of solar radiation reflected from the ocean surface; (2) the atmospheric contribution to overall brightness may vary considerably under real conditions; (3) finely dispersed particles and Rayleigh scattering affect the spectral distribution of solar radiation; and (4) the spectral composition of ocean-atmosphere brightness may be completely governed by the atmosphere.
Malkevich, M. S.↗
Is Solar Variability Reflected in the Nile River?
We investigate the possibility that solar variability influences North African climate by using annual records of the water level of the Nile collected in 622-1470 A.D. The time series of these records are nonstationary, in that the amplitudes and frequencies of the quasi-periodic variations are time-dependent. We apply the Empirical Mode Decomposition technique especially designed to deal with such time series. We identify two characteristic timescales in the records that may be linked to solar variability: a period of about 88 years and one exceeding 200 years. We show that these timescales are present in the number of auroras reported per decade in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time. The 11-year cycle is seen in the Nile's high-water level variations, but it is damped in the low-water anomalies. We suggest a possible physical link between solar variability and the low-frequency variations of the Nile water level. This link involves the influence of solar variability on the atmospheric Northern Annual Mode and on its North Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean patterns that affect the rainfall over the sources of the Nile in eastern equatorial Africa.
solar variability↗
Training and Validation of Spectral Gap Filling Algorithm for Cpf-Ceres Intercalibration
The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) Pathfinder (CPF) mission is set to launch an SI-traceable reflective solar (RS) spectrometer aboard the International Space Station to measure Earth-reflected solar radiation with a radiometric uncertainty of 0.3% (k=1). The CPF intercalibration team has devised a cutting-edge methodology to accurately transfer the benchmark CPF calibration reference to the shortwave (SW) channel (200-5000 nm) of the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument. The spectral range of CPF measurements spans from 350-2300 nm, while the CERES SW channel measures the Earth-reflected broadband solar radiances between 200 nm to 5 μm. To conduct precise CPF-CERES intercalibration analysis, the CPF-like spectral radiances outside the CPF spectral range need to be estimated to match the CERES SW spectral range. In response, the team has developed a fast algorithm that leverages spectrally redundant information within the CPF-measured portion through principal component analysis (PCA) and utilizes pre-established spectral correlation relationships among wavelengths to extend the CPF spectrum below 350 nm and above 2300 nm. Our results show that the algorithm achieves excellent accuracy in generating the missing energy in the UV and IR portions. The RMS error in the UV region is less than 4.5x10-3 W/m2/sr/nm, while in the IR region, it is smaller than 8x10-5 W/m2/sr/nm. Our methodology was validated using measured EMIT radiance data, which covers the spectral range from 0.381 μm to 2.493 μm. We employed EMIT radiances within the wavelength range of 0.43 – 2.25 μm to generate radiances for both the shorter wavelength range (0.381 – 0.43 μm) and longer wavelength range (2.25 – 2.493 μm). The generated radiances agree very well with the measured EMIT radiances. The standard deviation in the integrated broadband radiances was about 0.1%, and the bias is less than 0.004% for over 1.5 million EMIT measured samples. These statistics show that the spectral gap filling algorithm is robust and effective in substantially reducing the spectral difference-induced uncertainty in the CPF-CERES intercalibration samples.
Qiguang Yang↗
Automated UAS Measurements of Reflectance and Solar Induced Florescence (SIF) for Assessment of the Dynamics in Photosynthetic Function, Application for Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Greenbelt, Maryland, US
To enable monitoring of the parameters governing photosynthesis at the temporal frequency relevant to their dynamics and at a spatial scale that allows practical assessment and management there is a strong need for advancement in the UAS remote sensing methods and instruments. Currently, no single sensor can provide data at the desired high temporal, spectral and spatial resolutions. Our field measurements obtained using the integrated UAS Piccolo system during the summers of 2017 and 2018 demonstrate that science quality reflectance and solar induced fluorescence (SIF) data can be retrieved with high temporal frequency using small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The implemented approach facilitates consistent data comparisons in space and time and facilitates their integration with other spectral satellite and airborne data.
Petya Campbell↗
Calibration of VIIRS F1 Sensor Fire Detection Band Using lunar Observations
Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Fight 1 (Fl) sensor includes a fire detection band at roughly 4 microns. This spectral band has two gain states; fire detection occurs in the low gain state above approximately 345 K. The thermal bands normally utilize an on-board blackbody to provide on-orbit calibration. However, as the maximum temperature of this blackbody is 315 K, the low gain state of the 4 micron band cannot be calibrated in the same manner as the rest of the thermal bands. Regular observations of the moon provide an alternative calibration source. The lunar surface temperature has been recently mapped by the DIVINER sensor on the LRO platform. The periodic on-board high gain calibration along with the DIVINER surface temperatures was used to determine the emissivity and solar reflectance of the lunar surface at 4 microns; these factors and the lunar data are then used to fit the low gain calibration coefficients of the 4 micron band. Furthermore, the emissivity of the lunar surface is well known near 8.5 microns due to the Christiansen feature (an emissivity maximum associated with Si-O stretching vibrations) and the solar reflectance is negligible. Thus, the 8.5 micron band is used for relative calibration with the 4 micron band to de-trend any temporal variations. In addition, the remaining thermal bands are analyzed in a similar fashion, with both calculated emissivities and solar reflectances produced.
McIntire, Jeff↗
Use of ground-based telescopes in determining the composition of the surfaces of solar system objects
Recent evidence suggests that the way that the surfaces of the solar system objects reflect solar radiation is controlled by the composition and mineralogy of the surface materials. The way sunlight is reflected from the surface as a function of wavelength, i.e., the spectral reflectance, is the most important property. Laboratory efforts to use ground-based optical telescope measurements to determine the composition of the surfaces of the solar system objects are reviewed.
Mccord, T. B.↗
jasonSWIR Calibration of Spectralon Reflectance Factor
Satellite instruments operating in the reflective solar wavelength region require accurate and precise determination of the Bidirectional Reflectance Factor (BRF) of laboratory-based diffusers used in their pre-flight and on-orbit radiometric calibrations. BRF measurements are required throughout the reflected-solar spectrum from the ultraviolet through the shortwave infrared. Spectralon diffusers are commonly used as a reflectance standard for bidirectional and hemispherical geometries. The Diffuser Calibration Laboratory (DCaL) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is a secondary calibration facility with reflectance measurements traceable to those made by the Spectral Tri-function Automated Reference Reflectometer (STARR) facility at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). For more than two decades, the DCaL has provided numerous NASA projects with BRF data in the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and the Near infraRed (NIR) spectral regions. Presented in this paper are measurements of BRF from 1475nm to 1625nm obtained using an indium gallium arsenide detector and a tunable coherent light source. The sample was a 2 inch diameter, 99% white Spectralon target. The BRF results are discussed and compared to empirically generated data from a model based on NIST certified values of 6deg directional/hemispherical spectral reflectance factors from 900nm to 2500nm. Employing a new NIST capability for measuring bidirectional reflectance using a cooled, extended InGaAs detector, BRF calibration measurements of the same sample were also made using NIST's STARR from 1475nm to 1625nm at an incident angle of 0deg and at viewing angles of 40deg, 45deg, and 50deg. The total combined uncertainty for BRF in this ShortWave Infrared (SWIR) range is less than 1%. This measurement capability will evolve into a BRF calibration service in SWIR region in support of NASA remote sensing missions. Keywords: BRF, BRDF, Calibration, Spectralon, Reflectance, Remote Sensing.
Georgiev, Georgi T.↗
Earthshine as an Illumination Source at the Moon
Earthshine is the dominant source of natural illumination on the surface of the Moon during lunar night, and at some locations within permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) near the poles that never receive direct sunlight. As such, earthshine has the potential to enable the scientific investigation and exploration of conditions in areas of the Moon that are either temporarily or permanently hidden from the Sun. Earthshine has also been used to refer to Earthlight reflected from the lunar surface, but in this study we use it to refer specifically to Earthlight incident at the Moon. Under certain circumstances, the heat flux from earthshine could also influence the transport and cold-trapping of volatiles present in the very coldest areas within PSRs. In this study, Earth's spectral irradiance, as it would appear at the Moon in the solar reflectance band (0.3–3.0 µm) and at thermal emission wavelengths (3–50 µm), is examined with a suite of model image cubes and whole-disk spectra created using the Virtual Planetary Laboratory (VPL) three-dimensional (latitude, longitude and altitude) modeling capability. At the Moon, the broadband, hemispherical irradiance from Earth at full-phase is approximately 0.15 W m−2 with comparable contributions from solar reflectance and thermal emission; for context, this about 0.01% that of solar irradiance and has an equivalent temperature of around 40 K. Over the simulated timeframe, spanning two lunations, Earth's thermal irradiance shows very little net change (less than a few mW m−2 resulting from cloud variability and the south-to-north motion of the sub-observer latitude on Earth). In the solar band, Earth's diurnally averaged light curve at phase angles g ≤ 60° is well-fit using a Henyey–Greenstein integral phase function. At wavelengths longward of about 0.7 µm, near the well-known vegetation “red edge”, Earth's reflected solar radiance shows significant diurnal modulation as a result of the broad maximum in projected landmass at terrestrial longitudes between 60°W and 0°, as well as from the distribution of clouds. A simple formulation with adjustable coefficients is presented, condensed from the VPL model grid, for estimating Earth's hemispherical irradiance at the Moon as a function of wavelength, phase angle and sub-observer coordinates (terrestrial latitude and longitude). Uncertainties in any one prediction are estimated to be 10–12% at 0.3 µm, rising to >25% near 2.5 µm as a result of the increasing relative brightness and unpredictable influence of clouds. Although coefficient values are derived from a suite of spring equinox models, the approximation appears to be valid for all seasons, to within the stated uncertainties. It is demonstrated that earthshine is sufficiently bright to serve as a natural illumination source for optical measurements on a robotic lander/rover, allowing the identification of water ice mixed with regolith at the percent-level of fractional area.
Surface↗
Demonstrating the Error Budget for the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory Through Solar Irradiance Measurements
The Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission addresses the need to observe highaccuracy, long-term climate change trends and to use decadal change observations as a method to determine the accuracy of climate change. A CLARREO objective is to improve the accuracy of SI-traceable, absolute calibration at infrared and reflected solar wavelengths to reach on-orbit accuracies required to allow climate change observations to survive data gaps and observe climate change at the limit of natural variability. Such an effort will also demonstrate National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approaches for use in future spaceborne instruments. The current work describes the results of laboratory and field measurements with the Solar, Lunar for Absolute Reflectance Imaging Spectroradiometer (SOLARIS) which is the calibration demonstration system (CDS) for the reflected solar portion of CLARREO. SOLARIS allows testing and evaluation of calibration approaches, alternate design and/or implementation approaches and components for the CLARREO mission. SOLARIS also provides a test-bed for detector technologies, non-linearity determination and uncertainties, and application of future technology developments and suggested spacecraft instrument design modifications. Results of laboratory calibration measurements are provided to demonstrate key assumptions about instrument behavior that are needed to achieve CLARREO's climate measurement requirements. Absolute radiometric response is determined using laser-based calibration sources and applied to direct solar views for comparison with accepted solar irradiance models to demonstrate accuracy values giving confidence in the error budget for the CLARREO reflectance retrieval.
CLARREO↗
On-Orbit Performance of MODIS Solar Diffuser Stability Monitor
MODIS reflective solar bands (RSB) calibration is provided by an on-board solar diffuser (SD). On-orbit changes in the SD bi-directional reflectance factor (BRF) are tracked by a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM). The SDSM consists of a solar integration sphere (SIS) with nine detectors covering wavelengths from 0.41 to 0.94 microns. It functions as a ratioing radiometer, making alternate observations of the sunlight through a fixed attenuation screen and the sunlight diffusely reflected from the SD during each scheduled SD/SDSM calibration event. Since launch, Terra and Aqua MODIS SD/SDSM systems have been operated regularly to support the RSB on-orbit calibration. This paper provides an overview of MODIS SDSM design functions, its operation and calibration strategies, and on-orbit performance. Changes in SDSM detector responses over time and their potential impact on tracking SD on-orbit degradation are examined. Also presented in this paper are lessons learned from MODIS SD/SDSM calibration system and improvements made to the VIIRS SD/SDSM system, including preliminary comparisons of MODIS and VIIRS SDSM on-orbit performance.
MODIS↗