Parameters for Attenuation in the Atmospheric Windows for Fifteen Wavelengths

A model of a Clear Standard Atmosphere for determining attenuation in the visible and infrared windows is useful for the interpretation of the optical properties of the atmosphere. It can be used, like the U.S. Standard Atmosphere, as an information source for many technical requirements. First, a Clear Standard Atmosphere is defined. A model is then derived based on a molecular atmosphere with an aerosol component determined by sea level and high-altitude measurements. The format of the model is a series of tabulations for fifteen wavelengths from 0.4 μ to 4.0 μ with molecular and aerosol parameters arrayed at kilometer intervals to an altitude of 30 km. Horizontal, vertical, and slant path transmission from sea level, transmission between two altitudes, and transmission to space are readily calculated from the model. A sample tabulation for 0.55 μ is presented. Tabulations for the other wavelengths are contained in ref. 17 [ L. Elterman , Rept. AFCRL-63-675 ( July1963)].