Abstract

Infrared heterodyne spectroscopy provides a convenient and sensitive method for measuring the true intensity profiles of atmospheric absorption lines. Application of radiative transfer theory to the measured line shapes can then permit retrieval of either abundance or temperature profiles. Notable success has been achieved for the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and the Earth. The principles and state-of-the-art of heterodyne spectroscopy will be reviewed and its usefulness will be demonstrated by discussing recent results.

© 1983 Optical Society of America