Abstract

We will briefly discuss the concept of a high spectral-resolution (λ/Δλ = 1200) infrared sounder capable of doubling the current vertical resolution of atmospheric temperature profiles and improving their accuracy from ~2.5K to ~1.5K. In addition the improved sounder permits improved determination of a wide variety of meteorological parameters on cloudiness, surface temperature and air-surface interactions. These improvements are accomplished in part through multispectral observations with a set of narrow band-pass channels properly selected from the high J-lines in the R-branch of the 4.3 μm CO₂ band. This set is complemented by a larger set of window, humidity and temperature channels in the 3.7, 6.3, 9 and 15 μm regions positioned away from absorption lines due to minor atmospheric constituents. To implement this concept an Advanced Moisture and Temperature Sounder (AMTS) design is currently under study.

© 1983 Optical Society of America