The Infrared Remote Sensing Group is specialized in retrieving and modeling remotely-sensed data from both satellite-based and ground-based instruments in the infrared spectral region. We have state-of-art radiative transfer models and robust retrieval algorithms for deriving atmospheric temperature/moisture profiles, aerosol/cloud/surface properties, and trace gases concentrations. We are capable of handling broadband, hyperspectral and ultraspectral data. We also take advantage of multiple spectral coverage, ranging from ultraviolet to microwave, and spatial coverage (multi-pixels) to enhance our algorithm capabilities. This group interacts extensively with the Microwave Remote Sensing, Electro-Optical Remote Sensing, Trace Gas Remote Sensing, and Radiation and Climate groups at AER. AER has a well-validated line-by-line radiative transfer code (LBLRTM) and has contributed significantly to the development, validation and enhancement of FASCODE developed at the Air Force Phillips Laboratory. As a result of AER's expertise in radiative transfer modeling, we are capable of delivering a fast radiative transfer model that can be tailored to any instrument response function in the infrared spectral region. The fast forward model is accurate and fast. It calculates jacobian matrix analytically and efficiently, which is needed for retrieval algorithms. It also has the capability of handling multiple scattering efficiently.

Cross-Track Infrared Sounder

AER was selected as premier algorithm developer for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program's Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) phase, supporting ITT Industries' Aerospace/Communications Division. AER had successfully finished the work for phase I and won the phase II contract. Currently, the Infrared Remote Sensing Group is leading the effort for the phase II work. CrIS is a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) instrument, which has spectral resolutions from 0.625 to 2.5 cm-1 in the infrared spectral region. Three units will be flown on NPOESS satellites. The first sounder is tentatively scheduled to fly around 2007/2008, and a NPOESS Preparatory Project unit is scheduled to fly around 2005. Together with a CrIS, an Advance Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) will be flown to form the Cross-Track Infrared Microwave Sounder Suite (CrIMSS). Our retrieval algorithm takes advantage of microwave and multiple pixels information. Using our fast forward radiative transfer model and robust retrieval algorithm, we can retrieve atmospheric temperature, moisture and pressure profiles, cloud and surface properties. This information will greatly enhance the future numerical weather prediction forecast models.