Remote sensing measurements of atmospheric methane at 2.3 microns with a nonmechanical GFCRGas filter correlation radiometer (GFCR) is a passive remote sensing technique used in a variety of atmospheric measurements. In recent years, a nonmechanical optical switching GFCR has been invented and developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The use of a polarization modulator, in conjunction with a polarization beamsplitter, enables rapid optical switching without mechanically moving parts. In comparison with the conventional GFCR, which involves mechanical chopping or switching between two optical paths, the nonmechanical GFCR possesses some very attractive advantages such as fast sampling rate, high reliability, low weight, and long operational life time. In a recent study, we have developed a new GFCR configuration and have fabricated a compact, nonmechanical breadboard instrument. Using this instrument, we have carried out atmospheric methane measurements in the 2.3 micron region. Measurement results are compared with theoretical predictions using the HITRAN database.
Document ID
19960020338
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wang, Liang-guo (College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA United States)
Sachse, Glen (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Wallio, Andrew (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
LeBel, Peter (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Vay, Stephanie (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Optical Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Volume 2