Abstract

The spectroscopic molecular database, HITRAN, has been periodically updated since its inception in 1973, increasing in spectral coverage from the microwave through the visible, incorporating more molecular species and bands, and adding more transition parameters. HITRAN has gone from about 100,000 transitions in the first edition to well over a third of a million in the last edition of November 1986¹ and also includes cross-section data on heavy molecular species such as the CFC's and oxides of nitrogen. This database has been used for a very broad range of applications such as laser propagation, detection of hot sources, background characterization, remote sensing of atmospheric constituents, development of band models, pollution studies, climate mechanisms, the greenhouse effect, and has a major impact as the foundation for radiation computer models. The desirability of having such a database as an open reference has promoted the free flow of data and calculations throughout the world to enhance the usefulness of this project to the world community. Over the years numerous ad hoc as well as specific meetings have been held that focussed on the issue of the molecular spectroscopic database. Most recently a two day workshop was held at AFGL that reviewed the status of relevant new data, establishment of priorities for inclusion of data, and discussion of issues involving the archiving of the burgeoning amount of data to take advantage of new technology and also to provide users with the optimum ease in their applications. Of the many significant improvements to HITRAN, the development of new carbon dioxide line parameters will have a substantial impact on remote sensing.

© 1990 Optical Society of America