Optical model of a next-generation instrument for monitoring atmospheric energetics from space

Katherine L. Coffey; Felix J. Nevarez; J. Robert Mahan; Kory J. Priestley

doi:10.1117/12.360006

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27 August 1999 Optical model of a next-generation instrument for monitoring atmospheric energetics from space

Katherine L. Coffey, Felix J. Nevarez, J. Robert Mahan, Kory J. Priestley

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Proceedings Volume 3737, Design and Engineering of Optical Systems II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.360006
Event: Optical Systems Design and Production, 1999, Berlin, Germany

Abstract

A new Monte-Carlo ray-trace (MCRT) environment has been created and used for the conceptual design of a next- generation radiometer for monitoring atmospheric energetics form space. A multi-band, two-mirror reflecting telescope illuminating an array of thermal detectors is under active consideration as a follow-on to the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System instruments. Future instruments must provide narrower spectral resolution without concomitant sacrifices in radiometric accuracy and spatial resolution. Strategies are under study for obtaining tow or more spectral channels from a single telescope without significant optical cross-talk between channels. Differential filtering based on different combinations of interference filters will be used to achieve spectral separation. Filters are potential thermal noise sources because they may absorb and re-radiate varying amounts of power in response to changes in scene spectral radiance. The MCRT design environment is used here to study the optical performance of a candidate instrument.

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Katherine L. Coffey, Felix J. Nevarez, J. Robert Mahan, and Kory J. Priestley "Optical model of a next-generation instrument for monitoring atmospheric energetics from space", Proc. SPIE 3737, Design and Engineering of Optical Systems II, (27 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.360006

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