Spectral Radiometric Measurement Of Atmospheric Constituents

Atmospheric constituent vertical profiles have been determined from the height derivatives of their measured emission spectra. Samples of these spectra and derived profiles are shown. Several spectral radiometers have been employed to obtain these data from balloon and aircraft platforms. The radiometers are scanning grating monochromators operated at liquid nitrogen and liquid helium temperatures. The optical properties of these radiometers are discussed. Also the effect of these properties on radiometric accuracy is considered. Finally, a few methods for testing the accuracy of atmospheric data are developed.