Details of Award
NERC Reference : NER/Z/S/2003/00642
Development of a prototype laser heterodyne radiometer to measure spatial distribution & concentration of atmospheric gases relevant to climate change
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor B Ellison, STFC - Laboratories, RAL Space
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr CT Mutlow, STFC - Laboratories, RAL Space
- Grant held at:
- STFC - Laboratories, RAL Space
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Global Change
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Radiative Processes & Effects
- Technol. for Environ. Appl.
- Climate & Climate Change
- Abstract:
- We propose to develop a novel ground-based laser heterodyne radiometer (LHR) incorporating exciting new quantum cascade laser technology, as a precursor to a space mission. Climate models require observational data with global coverage at high spatial resolution. Global coverage can only be achieved by satellite measurements. However, tropospheric observations from space made by existing instruments are fundamentally limited by cloud cover. To maximise the number of cloud-free observations that can be made a small ground pixel size is essential to take full advantage of clear sky between clouds. The inherently small ground pixel size of a satellite-based LHR will give a large increase in the proportion of clear-sky that can be measured compared to existing instruments, and therefore much improved global coverage. The LHR will be demonstrated through ground-based zenith-sky measurements on ozone, alongside two different types of instrument that use proven measurement techniques. The quality of LHR measurements will be assessed and recommendations will be made for the further development of an aircraft/satellite-based instrument.
- NERC Reference:
- NER/Z/S/2003/00642
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- EO Programmes Pre FEC2
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- New Observing Techniques
This grant award has a total value of £253,214
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - T&S | Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Equipment | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £6,189 | £80,767 | £28,662 | £100,443 | £37,153 |
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