Design Concept for a Miniaturized, High-Resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer

Abstract

A design for a miniaturized, high-resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) for space-based applications is described which will combine new advanced technologies and the proven advantages of the FTS to deliver a new class of remote sensing instruments with more than an order of magnitude reduction in mass, volume, power, and telemetry rate relative to existing instrumentation. For instance, when compared with the Shuttle-borne Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) FTS (with ~1 m³, 250 kg, and 200 watts), new design will have ~0.25 m³, 20–25 kg, and 50 watts. This development is founded on recent advances in materials for lightweight stable structures, materials with piezoelectric properties, detectors, electronics, on-board digital signal processing, and miniature frequency stable lasers. Together these advances address all the major elements of an FTS that dictate the instrument volume and mass and will enable the development of revolutionary instrumentation for scientific missions in space.

The new FTS can operate in emission mode in the infrared region, and also in absorption mode in the infrared and visible regions, enabling a variety of remote sensing of the atmosphere applications for the study of meteorology, atmospheric chemistry and circulation, climate change, and planetary exploration. The design study is currently in progress under the NASA’s New Millennium Program. The design concept and application for space programs in the years 2000 and beyond will be discussed.