SAFIRE-A (spectroscopy of the atmosphere by using far-infrared emission-airborne): Assessment of measurement capabilities and future developments

Year: 2005

Authors: Cortesi U., Bianchini G., Carli B., Palchetti L., Trambusti M., Ade P.A.R.

Autors Affiliation: Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IFAC-CNR), Via Panciatichi, 64, 50127 Firenze, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Cardiff, 5 The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3YB, United Kingdom

Abstract: New measurement capabilities of the SAFIRE-A airborne spectrometer, based on a polarisation sensing optical scheme and suitable for investigation of aerosols and clouds properties, have been implemented and tested in a field campaign. The polarisation measuring configuration is described here with respect to the instrument layout for intensity measurements deployed in several scientific missions to study the chemistry and dynamics of the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere. First results of the novel experimental set-up, obtained during the APE-GAIA Antarctic campaign, are presented and discussed and possible measurement scenarios, relying on synergistic use of SAFIRE-A intensity and polarisation measuring modes, are envisaged for future applications. (c) 2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal/Review: ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH

Volume: 36 (5)      Pages from: 888  to: 893

More Information: We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Valentin Mitev and Dr. Renaud Matthey of the Observatory of Neuchatel for providing the data of the Microjoule Airborne Lidar we have used for inter-comparison with SAFIRE-A measurements. Financial support for the SAFIRE-A experiment was provided by the Italian Space Agency, which funded the instrument optimisation and the field operation, and by the Italian National Program for Antarctic Research, which financed the instrument participation to APE-GAIA campaign.
KeyWords: Far-infrared spectroscopy; Polarisation; Scattering; Aircraft; Clouds; Earth atmosphere; Optical sensors; Scattering; Upper atmosphere, Clouds properties; Far-infrared spectroscopy; Intesity measurement; Polarization measurement, Infrared spectroscopy
DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2005.03.109

ImpactFactor: 0.706

Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here