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At least 163 records · Page 9

Remote sensing of atmospheric pollutant gases using an infrared heterodyne spectrometer

Remote sensing of the concentration and vertical distribution of atmospheric gases using an infrared heterodyne spectrometer (IHS) has been investigated, and a dual (C-13)(O-16)2 laser multichannel IHS has been developed. Analyses of nadir thermal-radiance measurements from an aircraft at 10-km altitude and of solar absorption measurements from the ground indicate that initial applications of the IHS to tropospheric measurements of NH3 and O3 are feasible with measurement precisions ranging from 0.5 to 2 ppb and 20 to 30 ppb, respectively. These analyses have included effects of potential retrieval-error sources and have resulted in specifications of measurement modes, optimum signature lines, required system parameters, and expected sensitivities. Preliminary instrument performance data are presented.

Seals, R. K., Jr.↗

Optical considerations in infrared heterodyne spectrometer design

The optical design considerations for optimization of sensitivity, tunability, and versatility of an infrared heterodyne spectrometer are discussed using the GSFC CO2 laser heterodyne spectrometer optical front end as an example. Problems related to the coherent nature of the laser local oscillator beam (e.g., interference effects at edges of optical elements and at the beam combining beamsplitter) are described and proper beamsplitter design discussed. Optimum matching to the telescope is discussed. The severe effects of large central obscuration on the coherent telescope efficiency are described and steps to partially recover the lost system sensitivity are proposed. Measurements made with the GSFC 48 inch telescope (linear obscuration rate = 0.5) and the KPNO McMathe telescope (no obscuration) are given as examples.

Kostiuk, T.↗

Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer - An advanced optics technology instrument

Through the use of a special optical filter, the Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, an airborne multispectral IR imaging instrument operating in the thermal emission region (7.5-14 microns), will achieve signal-to-noise ratios greater than 600 with ambient temperature optics. This instrument will be used to do compositional surface mapping of the terrain, and will refine the ability to categorize rock families and types by providing much higher spectral resolution in the emission region than was previously available. Details of the optical system, the detector, the cooler system, and the support electronics are described.

Mahoney, Colin↗

A visible-infrared imaging spectrometer for planetary missions

This final report summarizes the design effort for the construction of a visible-infrared imaging spectrometer for planetary missions, funded by NASA under the Planetary Instrument Definition and Development Program. The goal was to design and develop a prototype brassboard pushbroom imaging spectrometer covering the 0.35 gm to 2.5 gm spectral region using a simplified optical layout that would minimize the size, mass and parts count of the instrument by using a single holographic grating to disperse and focus light from a single slit onto both the infrared and visible focal plane arrays. Design approaches are presented and analyzed, along with problems encountered and recommended solutions to those problems. In particular, a new type of grating, incorporating two sets of rulings and a filter in a layered structure, is presented for further development.

McCord, Thomas↗

Development of long wavelength semiconductor diode lasers near 28 microns for use in infrared heterodyne spectrometers

The development of tunable diode lasers operating in the 28 micrometers spectral region for use in infrared heterodyne spectrometers is reported. A process capable of yielding lasers emitting 500 micron W of multimode power, 112 micron W in a true single mode and true single mode operation at laser currents of up to 35% above threshold was developed. Results were obtained from narrow mesastripe (20 micrometer wide) short cavity (120 micrometer length) laser configurations. Six stripe geometry lasers, with a variety of cavity widths and lengths were delivered. The techniques to fabricate such devices was obtained and the long term reliability of such lasers by reproducible electrical and optical output characteristics fabrication from lasers are demonstrated.

Linden, K. J.↗

C{sub 2}N{sub 2} Vertical Profile in Titan’s Stratosphere

In this paper, we present the first measurements of the vertical distribution of cyanogen (C{sub 2}N{sub 2}) in Titan’s lower atmosphere at different latitudes and seasons, using Cassini’s Composite Infrared Spectrometer far-infrared data. We also study the vertical distribution of three other minor species detected in our data: methylacetylene (C{sub 3}H{sub 4}), diacetylene (C{sub 4}H{sub 2}), and H{sub 2}O, in order to compare them to C{sub 2}N{sub 2}, but also to get an overview of their seasonal and meridional variations in Titan’s lower stratosphere from 85 km to 225 km. We measured an average volume mixing ratio of C{sub 2}N{sub 2} of 6.2±0.8×10{sup −11} at 125 km at the equator, but poles exhibit a strong enrichment in C{sub 2}N{sub 2} (up to a factor 100 compared to the equator), greater than what was measured for C{sub 3}H{sub 4} or C{sub 4}H{sub 2}. Measuring C{sub 2}N{sub 2} profiles provides constraints on the processes controlling its distribution, such as bombardment by Galactic Cosmic Rays which seem to have a smaller influence on C{sub 2}N{sub 2} than predicted by photochemical models.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Stratospheric ozone measurement with an infrared heterodyne spectrometer

A stratospheric ozone absorption line in the 10 microns band was measured and resolved completely, using an infrared heterodyne spectrometer with spectral resolution of 5 MHz (0.000167 cm to -1 power). The vertical concentration profile of stratospheric ozone was obtained through an analytical inversion of the measured spectral line profile. The absolute total column density was 0.34 cm atm with a peak mixing ratio occurring at approximately 24 km. The (7,1,6) to (7,1,7) O3 line center frequency was found to be 1043.1775 + or - 0.00033 cm to toe -1 power, or 430 + or - 10 MHz higher than the P(24) CO2 laser line frequency.

Abbas, M. M.↗

Stratospheric ozone measurement with an infrared heterodyne spectrometer

A stratospheric ozone absorption line in the 10 micron band was measured and resolved completely, using an infrared heterodyne spectrometer with a spectral resolution of 5 MHz. The vertical concentration profile of stratospheric ozone was obtained through an analytical inversion of the measured spectra line profile. The absolute total column density was 0.32 plus or minus 0.02 cm-atm with a peak mixing ratio occurring at approximately 24 km. The (7,1,6) - (7,1,7) O3 line center frequency was found to be 1043.1772 plus or minus 0.00033 cm/1 or 420 plus or minus 10 MHz higher than the P(24) CO2 laser line frequency.

Abbas, M. M.↗

Far-Infrared Heterodyne Spectrometer for Sofia

The project goal was to evaluate the scientific capabilities and technical requirements for a far-infrared heterodyne spectrometer suitable for the SOFIA Airborne Observatory, which is now being developed by NASA under contract to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). The conclusions detailed below include our specific recommendations for astronomical observations, as well as our intended technical approach for reaching these scientific goals. These conclusions were presented to USRA in the form of a proposal to build this instrument. USRA subsequently awarded the University of Colorado a 3-year grant to develop the proposed Hot-Electron micro-Bolometer (HEB) mixer concept for high frequencies above 3 THz, as well as other semiconductor mixer technologies suitable for high sensitivity receivers in the 2-6 THz frequency band.

Betz, A. L.↗

Emitted Power Of Jupiter Based On Cassini CIRS And VIMS Observations

The emitted power of Jupiter and its meridional distribution are determined from observations by the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) and Visual and Infrared Spectrometer (VIMS) onboard Cassini during its flyby en route to Saturn in late 2000 and early 2001. Jupiter's global- average emitted power and effective temperature are measured to be 14.10+/-0.03 W/sq m and 125.57+/-0.07 K, respectively. On a global scale, Jupiter's 5-micron thermal emission contributes approx. 0.7+/-0.1 % to the total emitted power at the global scale, but it can reach approx. 1.9+/-0.6% at 15degN. The meridional distribution of emitted power shows a significant asymmetry between the two hemispheres with the emitted power in the northern hemisphere 3.0+/-0.3% larger than that in the southern hemisphere. Such an asymmetry shown in the Cassini epoch (2000-01) is not present during the Voyager epoch (1979). In addition, the global-average emitted power increased approx. 3.8+/-1.0% between the two epochs. The temporal variation of Jupiter's total emitted power is mainly due to the warming of atmospheric layers around the pressure level of 200 mbar. The temporal variation of emitted power was also discovered on Saturn (Li et al., 2010). Therefore, we suggest that the varying emitted power is a common phenomenon on the giant planets.

Li, Liming↗

Using Mineralogy of the Bagnold Dune Field in Gale Crater to Interpret Eolian Sediment Sorting on the Martian Surface

The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover landed in Gale crater in August 2012 to characterize modern and ancient surface environments. Curiosity executed a two-phase campaign to study the morphology, activity, physical properties, and chemical and mineralogical composition of the Bagnold Dune Field, an active eolian dune field on the lower slopes of Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp). Detectable aspects of dune sand mineralogy have been examined from orbit with the visible/short-wave infrared spectrometer CRISMand the thermal-infrared spectrometers THEMIS and TES. CRISM data demonstrate variations in plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine abundances across the dune field. Curiosity analyzed sediments from two locations in the dune field to evaluate the causes of the mineralogical differences observed from orbit. The Gobabeb sample was collected from Namib Dune, a barchanoidal dune on the upwind margin of the dune field, and the Ogunquit Beach sample was collected from the Mount Desert Island sand patch located downwind from Namib. These samples were sieved to <150 μm and delivered to the CheMin X-ray diffraction instrument for quantitative mineralogical analysis. CRISM-derived mineralogy of the Namib Dune and Mount Desert Island and CheMin-derived mineralogy of the Gobabeb and Ogunquit Beach samples can be used in a value-added manner to interpret grain segregation at the bedform to dune-field scale and evaluate contributions from local sediment sources. Models of CRISM data demonstrate that Mount Desert Island is more enriched in olivine and less enriched in plagioclase than Namib dune, suggesting that fine-grained mafic sediments are preferentially mobilized downwind. Curiosity data indicate olivine also forms a coarse lag on the lee sides of barchanoidal dunes. Minor abundances of hematite, quartz, and anhydrite and small differences in the crystal chemistry of plagioclase and pyroxene derived from CheMin data suggest that sediments from the underlying lacustrine rocks also contribute to the Bagnold sands.

Rampe, E. B.↗

Early Results from the Odyssey THEMIS Investigation

The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) began studying the surface and atmosphere of Mars in February, 2002 using thermal infrared (IR) multi-spectral imaging between 6.5 and 15 m, and visible/near-IR images from 450 to 850 nm. The infrared observations continue a long series of spacecraft observations of Mars, including the Mariner 6/7 Infrared Spectrometer, the Mariner 9 Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS), the Viking Infrared Thermal Mapper (IRTM) investigations, the Phobos Termoscan, and the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS TES). The THEMIS investigation's specific objectives are to: (1) determine the mineralogy of localized deposits associated with hydrothermal or sub-aqueous environments, and to identify future landing sites likely to represent these environments; (2) search for thermal anomalies associated with active sub-surface hydrothermal systems; (3) study small-scale geologic processes and landing site characteristics using morphologic and thermophysical properties; (4) investigate polar cap processes at all seasons; and (5) provide a high spatial resolution link to the global hyperspectral mineral mapping from the TES investigation. THEMIS provides substantially higher spatial resolution IR multi-spectral images to complement TES hyperspectral (143-band) global mapping, and regional visible imaging at scales intermediate between the Viking and MGS cameras.

Christensen, Philip R.↗

Radiative cryogenic cooler for the near infrared mapping spectrometer for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter

Summaries of the thermal design, analysis, and testing of a radiative cooler for the Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) for the Galileo Jupiter Orbiter are presented. The radiative cooler rejects approximately 120 milliwatts of heat at a temperature of 75K when operating in the worst-case thermal environment. The cooler is designed to operate against a relatively hostile thermal environment which varies over 145 deg of instrument scan angle and which includes planetary radiation, solar radiation, and emissions from warm spacecraft surfaces (some of which rotate periodically through the radiator field of view).

Cafferty, T. T.↗

Visible and infrared mapping spectrometer for exploration of comets, asteroids, and the Saturnian system of rings and moons

Consideration is given to a visible and infrared mapping spectrometer (VIMS) developed by American, Italian, and French scientists and engineers as a facility instrument for the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) mission and as a candidate facility instrument for the Cassini mission to explore Saturn and its rings and moons. VIMS is characterized by 0.35-5.2 micron spectral range with a nominal spatial resolution of 0.5 mrad and spectral resolutions of 7 nm at 0.35-1.0 micron wavelength and 16 nm at 1.0-5.2 micron wavelength.

Juergens, David W.↗

Tunable far infrared laser spectrometers

The state of the art in far infrared (FIR) spectroscopy is reviewed. The development of tunable, coherent FIR radiation sources is discussed. Applications of tunable FIR laser spectrometers for measurement of rotational spectra and dipole moments of molecular ions and free radicals, vibration-rotation-tunneling spectra of weakly bound complexes, and vibration-rotation spectra of linear carbon clusters are presented. A detailed description of the Berkeley tunable FIR laser spectrometers is presented.

Blake, G. A.↗

Mariner 9 infrared interferometer spectrometer (IRIS) reduced data records documentation

The Mariner 9 spacecraft was successfully inserted into orbit around Mars. One of the five instruments on board, an infrared interferometer spectrometer is used to record the thermal emission spectrum of Mars between 200 and 2000 cm/1. The spatial resolution for vertical viewing is a circular area of approximately 110 km diameter for a periapsis height of 1400 km. The total number of calibrated spectra included in the final data set is 21167. The final calibrated thermal emission spectra contained in the reduced data records are reported.

Source record↗

Infrared Fourier spectrometer for airborne and ground-based astronomy

A unique high resolving power near-infrared, astronomical Fourier spectrometer has been constructed for use at both ground-based and airborne telescopes. Its capabilities include a limiting resolution of 0.01/cm and spectral coverage over the InSb detector sensitivity region (0.8-5.6 micron). The instrument is optimized for operation in environments inaccessible to other high-resolution Fourier spectrometers, namely, the Cassegrain focuses of conventional telescopes and the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory's 91-cm telescope. Details of the spectrometer are discussed, and various astronomical and laboratory spectra are presented.

Davis, D. S.↗