Performance study and analysis method for a new-generation MIPAS experiment.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Remote Sensing
• Instrument Development

Background:

• The need for an operational infrared limb sounder persists following the ENVISAT mission's fault.
• Existing technologies require evolution to meet current atmospheric monitoring demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate MIPAS2k, a proposed evolution of the MIPAS experiment for infrared limb sounding.
• To assess the performance of MIPAS2k, particularly its ability to measure ozone (O₃) fields with high accuracy and resolution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1D array detector technology and reduced spectral resolution for dense atmospheric sampling.
• Employed Information Load (IL) analysis to assess sensitivity and select optimal spectral intervals.
• Developed and tested a "full-2D" retrieval strategy using "clove" discretization for atmospheric parameters.

Main Results:

• MIPAS2k demonstrates high sensitivity for O₃ measurements, with retrieval precision better than 5% between 20-40 km.
• The full-2D retrieval strategy proved effective, with errors below spectral noise for O₃ VMR.
• Estimated spatial resolutions for MIPAS2k products are 200 km horizontally and 2.5 km vertically for O₃.

Conclusions:

• MIPAS2k represents a viable advancement in infrared limb sounding technology.
• The full-2D retrieval approach offers significant improvements for atmospheric composition analysis.
• The instrument shows promise for reconstructing fine atmospheric structures and enhancing atmospheric monitoring capabilities.