Self-consistent Diagnostics of SABER MLT Limb Radiances in the 15 and 4.3 um Channels

We performed detailed non-LTE analysis of contributions of various atmospheric layers and molecular trace gases into the daytime 15 and 4.3μm SABER channel MLT limb radiances. The updated forward fit retrieval algorithms was applied to the CO2 VMR retrievals from the 4.3μm radiances in the lower thermosphere with the simultaneous correction of the lower thermospheric temperatures retrieved from the 15μm channel. This combined analysis showed that replacement of the model CO2 VMRs applied currently for the operational temperature retrievals by those obtained from the 4.3μm channel can cause up to 5 K differences in retrieved temperatures depending on the season, latitude and solar insolation.