Desktop Modeling Tools for Lidar Remote Sensing and Spectral Optimizations

We developed a set of cross-platform desktop modeling tools for molecular spectroscopy and atmospheric remote sensing optimization calculations which rely on the HITRAN database in spectral calculations. As part of the simulation framework its components further use the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM) for radiative transfer simulations and a number of NASA Earth datasets including the Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) in computational routines. Currently the framework includes a spectral optimization program used to identify potential measurement wavelengths exhibiting minimum temperature, pressure and water vapor interferences, and a shell component for easier operation of the LBLRTM. An additional lidar simulation module for weighting functions selection and further lidar optimizations is also being incorporated into the modeling framework. The developed simulation components are applicable to the analysis of various atmospheric species and have been used in performance prediction calculations for the sensing of atmospheric CO2 in the future ASCENDS mission.