Role of spectral resolution for infrared asteroid compositional analysis using meteorite spectra
Abstract
In this work the potential mineral identification of meteorites is analysed for the mid-infrared range, to evaluate observational possibilities for future missions targeting small body surfaces. Three carbonaceous and three ordinary chondrite meteorites are examined by a diffuse reflection (DRIFT) instrument, and the presence of principal minerals is confirmed by a powder diffraction method as well. The possibilities and constraints of mineral identifications in the mid-infrared are simulated by artificially degrading the spectral resolution. Our research shows that for the definite identification of principal mineral bands, a spectral resolution ≤ 10~cm-1 (≤ 0.15 μm) is needed. At 20-100~cm-1 (0.3 - 1.5~μm) resolution the identification of these minerals is uncertain, and with a resolution >100~cm-1, it is almost impossible.