Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

06:27
Measurement of Aerosols Optical Thickness of the Atmosphere using the GLOBE Handheld Sun Photometer
Published on: May 29, 2019
Atmospheric transmission spectroscopy using the sun as the source
Applied Optics
|June 23, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a new method for atmospheric transmittance spectra, enhancing remote sensing and atmospheric research. Improved water vapor line parameters significantly boost the accuracy of transmission models.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Spectroscopy
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Accurate atmospheric transmittance spectra are crucial for remote sensing and atmospheric research.
- Existing line parameter compilations may have limitations affecting model accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a method for obtaining normalized high-resolution slant path transmittance spectra.
- To demonstrate the impact of updated water vapor line parameters on atmospheric transmission models.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel method for atmospheric spectral analysis.
- Utilizing recently reported water vapor line parameters.
- Comparison with the 1986 AFGL line parameter compilation.
Main Results:
- Generation of normalized high-resolution slant path transmittance spectra.
- Demonstration of improved accuracy in line-by-line transmission models.
- Validation of updated water vapor line parameters near 1 micrometer.
Conclusions:
- The presented method provides valuable atmospheric transmittance spectra.
- Updated water vapor line parameters enhance the predictive capabilities of atmospheric models.
- The findings support advancements in atmospheric physics, photochemistry, and radiative transfer modeling.
Related Concept Videos
UV–Vis Spectrometers
The absorbance of UV and visible (UV–visible) radiations is measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Deuterium lamps, which emit UV radiation, and tungsten lamps, which produce radiation in the visible region, are used as light sources in UV–visible spectrophotometers. A monochromator or prism is used for diffraction grating, i.e., to split the incoming radiation into different wavelengths. A system of slits is used to focus the desired wavelength on the sample cell. Samples for...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) relies on the Beer-Lambert law, which requires that the radiation source emits a narrow range of wavelengths to match the absorption characteristics of the analyte atom. The primary criteria for choosing an appropriate radiation source in AAS is to provide a precise and intense emission at specific wavelengths that will allow accurate detection of the analyte.
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence
Atomic spectroscopy is a vital tool in elemental analysis, both qualitatively and quantitatively. It can be broadly divided into optical spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray spectroscopy methods. The optical spectroscopic methods are atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), and atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The first step in all three methods is atomization, where the solid, liquid, or solution-phase samples are converted into gas-phase atoms and...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview
Ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible or UV–Vis) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that investigates the interaction between matter and UV–Vis light within the electromagnetic spectrum. This method is widely used for its versatility, simplicity, and relatively quick data acquisition, making it valuable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. When UV–Vis radiation passes through a material, molecules absorb light depending on the energy required for electronic transitions. As a result...

