Near space demonstration of a compact LWIR spectro-polarimeter for ice cloud measurements

Kira A.Hart Shanks, Russell A. Chipman, Jaclyn A. John, Jeremy C. Parkinson, Dong L. Wu, Meredith K. Kupinski

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

An InfraRed Channeled Spectro-Polarimeter (IRCSP) was demonstrated in the near space environment as a piggyback out of NASA Columbia Scientific Ballooning Facility. The compact IRCSP is sensitive to linearly polarized long-wave infrared (LWIR) light between 7-12 microns and targets cloud micro-physical properties. Post landing the instrument was retrieved with no damage to the optical payload and collected over 150 minutes of flight data at altitudes above 30 km. The results collected both demonstrate the operation of uncooled microbolometers in the low pressure environment and are the first know high-Altitude observations of a polarized signal from cloud tops in the LWIR. During deployment, the IRCSP reported brightness temperatures between 250-285K with uncertainty of < 1:5K. In addition, statistically significant polarization modulation with degrees of linear polarization (DoLP) between 1-20% and preferential angle of linear polarization (AoLP) trends were detected. These results support the hypothesis that the LWIR polarimetry has the potential to add new sensitivity to existing remote sensing platforms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPolarization
Subtitle of host publicationMeasurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XV
EditorsDavid B. Chenault, Meredith K. Kupinski
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510651005
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventPolarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XV 2022 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jun 6 2022Jun 12 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12112
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferencePolarization: Measurement, Analysis, and Remote Sensing XV 2022
CityVirtual, Online
Period6/6/226/12/22

Keywords

  • Atmospheric science
  • Clouds
  • High altitude balloon
  • LWIR
  • Polarimetry
  • Remote sensing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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