Advanced technologies high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer for atmospheric studies

A new high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) suitable for spaceborne and airborne applications has been designed and built at the NASA Langley Research Center. Applications of advanced technologies, e.g., lightweight materials, solid state drive mechanism, new data processing approaches, etc., reduce significantly mass, volume, and power requirements. The combination of precision elements and optical symmetry of a double-passed design make the interferometer 'aligned by design', i.e., once the interferometer is assembled it need never be aligned again. Results of the instrument laboratory tests and atmospheric solar measurements are presented.