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www.atmos-meas-tech-discuss.net/2/1901/2009/
doi:10.5194/amtd-2-1901-2009
© Author(s) 2009. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Assessment of the performance of a compact concentric spectrometer system for Atmospheric Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy
1Earth Observation Science, Space Research Centre, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
2Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., Rayleigh House, 1 Bat and Ball Road, Sevenoaks, TN14 5LJ, UK
3Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
Abstract. A breadboard demonstrator of a novel UV/VIS grating spectrometer for atmospheric research has been developed based upon a concentric arrangement of a spherical meniscus lens, concave spherical mirror and curved diffraction grating suitable for a range of remote sensing applications from the ground or space. The spectrometer is compact and provides high optical efficiency and performance benefits over traditional instruments. The concentric design is capable of handling high relative apertures, owing to spherical aberration and coma being near zero at all surfaces. The design also provides correction for transverse chromatic aberration and distortion, in addition to correcting for the distortion called "smile", the curvature of the slit image formed at each wavelength. These properties render this design capable of superior spectral and spatial performance with size and weight budgets significantly lower than standard configurations. This form of spectrometer design offers the potential for an exceptionally compact instrument for differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) applications particularly from space (LEO, GEO orbits) and from HAPs or ground-based platforms. The breadboard demonstrator has been shown to offer high throughput and a stable Gaussian line shape with a spectral range from 300 to 450 nm at better than 0.5 nm resolution, suitable for a number of typical DOAS applications.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 7515 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 4 Comments) Final Revised Paper (AMT)
Notice on Discussion StatusCitation: Whyte, C., Leigh, R. J., Lobb, D., Williams, T., Remedios, J. J., Cutter, M., and Monks, P. S.: Assessment of the performance of a compact concentric spectrometer system for Atmospheric Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy, Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 2, 1901-1931, doi:10.5194/amtd-2-1901-2009, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
