Abstract

Anthropogenic trace gases such as chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFCs) CFC-11 (CFCl₃) and CFC-12 (CF₂Cl₂),¹,² the hydro-chloro-fluoro-carbon HCFC-22 (CHFCl₂),³ and sulfur hexaflouride (SF₆),³ having been in extensive worldwide use in many industrial applications and possessing either a strong ozone-depletion potential⁴ or a global-warming potential,⁵-⁷ or both, have posed a threat to the welfare of our planet. Recognition of this fact has led to significant curtailment, if not total banishment, of their use globally. However, as recent satellite observations⁸ have shown, decline in their atmospheric concentrations is not immediate. The marked depletion of ozone which has been observed in recent years at high latitudes has made infrared remote sensing of the atmosphere an activity of high priority.⁸-¹¹ The success of any infrared remote-sensing experiment conducted in the atmosphere depends upon the availability of accurate, high-resolution, spectroscopic data that are applicable to that experiment. This paper presents a preliminary phase of a multi-faceted work using a Fourier-transform spectrometer (FTS) which is in progress in our laboratory. The concept of how laboratory-borne measurements can be geared toward obtaining a database that is directly applicable to sattelie-borne remote sensing missions is the main thrust of this paper which addresses itself to ongoing or planned international space missions.

© 1995 Optical Society of America