A Compact High-Resolution Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS)

More precise information on the chemisty, dynamics, and energy budget of the middle atmosphere can be derived from globally and simultaneously measured concentration profiles of a substantial number of atmospheric trace gases. Such a data base can be obtained from infrared limb spectra which are recorded by spaceborne instruments. Fourier transform spectrometers are especially appropriate for such a task. In this paper are discussed characteristic features and performance parameters of a compact high-resolution (0.05 cm-1) rapid-scanning (1 s) interferometer for measurements in the 2 to 15-μm region. Technical data of a cryogenic version as well as of an uncooled satellite instrument are presented.