Developing a Compact SWIR Imaging Spectrometer for CO2 and CH4 Retrieval Using Photonic Crystal Filters

Abstract

The need for atmospheric measurements with higher spatial and temporal resolution is driving the development of satellites and satellite constellations to complement existing flagship missions. We are developing an instrument concept based on photonic crystal filters with tailored spectral transmission for trace gas retrieval. These filters can be integrated directly with the detector module, enabling a highly compact system architecture. In this work, we present performance simulations for methane and carbon dioxide retrieval in the 1.6 um SWIR band for a medium-resolution global coverage mission with an approximately 250 m spatial resolution and a 150 km swath. We furthermore introduce an improved retrieval algorithm that substantially reduces retrieval bias. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed architecture for medium-resolution global greenhouse-gas mapping, with retrieval performance comparable to state-of-the-art global mapping missions such as the planned CO2M mission at substantially finer spatial resolution. This measurement approach also inherently compresses the acquired spectral information, reducing the need for high downlink data rates. In the coming year, these filters will be fabricated by NIL Technology, followed by mechanical integration and experimental validation in a breadboard system.