Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006agufm.p51c1212r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2006, abstract #P51C-1212
Mathematics
Logic
5210 Planetary Atmospheres, Clouds, And Hazes (0343), 5215 Origin Of Life
Scientific paper
We describe a novel laser spectroscopic instrument to characterize the atmosphere of Mars. The instrument will use optical parametric oscillator (OPO) technology at 3.3 um to continuously monitor trace gases and their isotopes, using differential absorption LIDAR. The origin, distribution, and concentration of Martian traces gases will enhance our understanding of the current state and evolution of the atmosphere, biology, and geology of Mars. Lidar measurements from orbit can answer many of these fundamental questions for Mars and other planets. The current state of technology of laser transmitters for space lidars is presently limited to the near infrared and visible region. Unfortunately, most molecules of geologic and biogenic interest have strong absorptions in the mid-infrared region of the spectrum and relatively weak absorptions in the near-infrared and visible region. Thus, any active laser spectroscopic instrument in the near infrared will have limited sensitivity and selectivity. Our proposed approach will make use of OPO technology to generate tunable 3.3 um laser radiation, coincident with strong CH4, CO2, and H2O vapor absorptions. The OPO technology has the added advantage that is widely tunable so many more molecules can be monitored by the judicious choice of the components. This technology will enable Differential Absorption Lidar instruments to be extended in the mid-infrared range and obtain high sensitivities for planetary missions that meet or exceed those of passive spectrometers. The small laser footprint and the resulting high spatial resolution, will also allow the identification biologically and geologically active sites for a future landing missions. Our new lidar transmitter technology also has wider applications to small planetary missions. Coupled with existing detector technology currently used by the Hubble Space Telescope and with suitable wavelength laser diode and OPO components, our lidar approach can be generalized to measure most trace gases from orbit.
Abshire J. A.
Allan Guy
Krainak Michael A.
Riris Haris
Sun Xiaosong
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