Optical remote sensing of thermospheric emission with the Sky-Calibrated Imaging Photometer

Optical remote sensing of emission lines is a well-established approach to estimating atmospheric parameters. The neutral oxygen 844.6 nm emission line has long been considered a good candidate for estimating the oxygen density in the upper thermosphere due to its brightness and relatively simple photochemistry. The primary challenge is that oxygen density estimation requires knowledge of the absolute brightness of the emission line. This thesis presents the design, operation, and analysis of the Sky-Calibrated Imaging Photometer (SCIP). SCIP is a new ground-based instrument with the novel capability of absolute brightness calibration using astronomical sources. The derivation of the emission line brightness from a two-channel photometer is presented, followed by the design of the autonomous instrument and environmental chamber, analysis of detector noise, and signal-to-noise ratio prediction.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Haken, Dawn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Waldrop, Lara

• atmospheric remote sensing
• photometry
• oxygen

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2021 Dawn Haken

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110576

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/110576