Abstract

The need for consistent long term monitoring of the composition of the atmosphere is recognized as a priority in the scientific community. This is certainly demonstrated by the wide support of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC) and the Department of Energy's support of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program (ARM). This paper describes automated Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers that were developed for these programs and deployed in the field to fulfill mission requirements. These systems are typically in the care of site technicians with little or no training in FTIR spectroscopy. The technicians are primarily responsible for filling detector dewars with liquid nitrogen and performing visual inspections of the instrument on a daily basis.

© 1997 Optical Society of America