Empirical water vapor continuum models for infrared propagation

Michael E. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.211960

15 June 1995 Empirical water vapor continuum models for infrared propagation

Michael E. Thomas

Proceedings Volume 2471, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing IV; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211960
Event: SPIE's 1995 Symposium on OE/Aerospace Sensing and Dual Use Photonics, 1995, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The characterization of the water vapor continuum remains an important problem concerning infrared propagation in the atmosphere. Radiometric imaging within the atmosphere in the 8 to 12 micrometers and 3 - 5 micrometers regions, and eye safe lidar in the 2 micrometers and 1.6 micrometers window regions require accurate knowledge of the water vapor continuum. Although the physical nature of the continuum is a complex problem, the observed frequency, pressure and temperature dependence can be represented reasonably well by simple mathematical functions consistent with far wing theories. This approach is the basis for current models used in LOWTRAN/MODTRAN and for the models listed in the SPIE/ERIM EO/IR Systems Handbook (Volume 2 Chapter 1). However, these models are based solely on a limited, but high quality, data set collected by a spectrometer and White cell. Additional information on oxygen broadening and temperature dependence is available from numerous laser measurements of the water vapor continuum. A survey of relevant experimental data is made to determine the best available measurements of the water vapor continuum in various atmospheric window regions. Then the data are fit to an empirical model over the entire window region. A good fit is obtained for typical atmospheric conditions covering the 8 to 12 micrometers and 3 to 5 micrometers regions. No experimental data, covering atmospheric conditions, exist in the 2 micrometers and 1.6 micrometers regions. However, models can be proposed based on far wing extrapolations of the bordering vibrational water vapor bands.

Citation Download Citation

Michael E. Thomas "Empirical water vapor continuum models for infrared propagation", Proc. SPIE 2471, Atmospheric Propagation and Remote Sensing IV, (15 June 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.211960

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
11 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Absorption

Data modeling

Spectroscopy

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Atmospheric propagation

Carbon dioxide lasers

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years