ABSTRACT
An atlas of high resolution infrared emission spectra identifies a number of gaseous atmospheric features significant to stratospheric chemistry in the 770-900- and 1100-1360-cm(-1) regions at six zenith angles from 86.7 to 95.1 degrees . A balloon-borne Michelson interferometer was flown to obtain ~0.03-cm(-1) resolution spectra. Two 10-cm-1 extracts are presented here.
ABSTRACT
A cryogenic Fourier transform spectrometer has been built to measure thermal emission of the earth's limb from a balloon-borne platform. Liquid nitrogen cooling of the spectrometer and liquid helium cooling of the detectors has provided sufficient sensitivity to detect, at 5-15 microm, fifteen molecular species relevant to stratospheric ozone chemistry. The spectral resolution achieved, 0.022 cm(-1), is the best yet attained for emission mode data at these wavelengths. The philosophy behind the design of the optical and electronic systems is presented, followed by an analysis of the performance achieved during balloon flight.
ABSTRACT
The IR limb emission of the lower stratosphere has been measured using a balloon-borne liquid nitrogencooled Michelson interferometer with liquid helium-cooled Si:Ga detectors. Portions of the thermal emission spectrum have been recorded between 650 and 2000 cm(-1) with an unapodized spectral resolution of 0.03 cm(-1). This is the highest spectral resolution limb emission thus far obtained. A preliminary description is given of these data along with a discussion of the significant features. Species identified to date include CO(2), O(3), CFCl(3), CF(2)Cl(2), H(2)O, CH(4), HNO(3), N(2)O, NO(2), and ClONO(2). A tentative identification is made for NO, representing the first direct spectroscopic detection of NO in emission.
