Phoenix interferometer

The primary objective of the program was to provide a short wavelength spectroscopic capability to the Firebird system. The extension to shorter wavelengths permits acquisition of high resolution data in the important 2.7 and 4.2 micrometer regions. This information is considered essential for the development of plume radiation models and the unambiguous identification of specific excitation mechanisms in the SWIR spectral region. The spectrometer to be built for this program was to use a rapid scanning, high spectral resolution Michelson interferometer operating at high altitude ambient temperatures, around 220K. The sensor was to have a spectral range of 2 - 5.5 micrometers and a field of view of 5.6 milliradians which could be pointed at or held on airborne targets by means of the Firebird stabilized tracking system. The interferometer spectrometer was designed, developed, and fabricated.