Design, Qualification, and On Orbit Performance of the CALIPSO Aerosol Lidar Transmitter

The laser transmitter for the CALIPSO aerosol lidar mission has been operating on orbit as planned since June 2006. This document discusses the optical and laser system design and qualification process that led to this success. Space-qualifiable laser design guidelines included the use of mature laser technologies, the use of alignment sensitive resonator designs, the development and practice of stringent contamination control procedures, the operation of all optical components at appropriately derated levels, and the proper budgeting for the space-qualification of the electronics and software

Quenching of N2(A³Σ+ U V=0) by H

The rate constant for N2 (A, v=0) deactivation by H has been measured by monitoring the decrease in the N2(A, v=0)→N2(X, v=6) emission when H is added to a flow stream containing N2(A). The value is found to be 5 × 10-11cm3s-1, with an uncertainty of ≈ 50%. © 1987

Rate Constants for the Reactions of N(²D) Atoms with O₂, H₂ and HF

The rate constants k1,k2 and k3 for the reactions of N(2D) atoms with H2, HF, and O2, measured at room temperature in a discharge-flow atomic-resonance-absorption apparatus, have been determined to be (1.8 ± 0.8)×10-12, (1.0±0.3) × 10-12 and (6.6± 1.0) × 10-12cm3s-1, respectively. Previously published data on k1 and k3 exist and there is good agreement between those studies and that described herein. © 1987

Chemical Generation of Electronically Excited N₂ in the H(D) + NF₂ Flame

The chemistry of the H(D) + NF2 flame has been investigated through measurements of key population profiles, production efficiencies, and rate coefficients. The absolute population profiles of N2(B), NF(a), and NF(b) and upper limits on N2(A) concentrations generated in the H(D) + NF2 system are reported. From these profiles the efficiencies of NF(a) and N2(A) and N2(B) production were determined. For NF(a) the peak concentrations, which should also represent the production efficiency, were found to be 15-30% of the input NF2. From the results of measurements by other investigators on the branching ratio for the H + NF2 reaction, we would have expected the peak [NF(a)] to be ∼90% of the input NF2. Relative to N2F4, the N2(B) production efficiencies were 2-4%. However, relative to peak [NF(a)] they were 20-30%. The upper limits on [N2(A)] are consistent with N2(A) production by radiative cascading from N2(B). The room-temperature rate constant for the reaction N(2D) + NF(a) → F + N2(B,W) was estimated to be 1 × 10-10 cm3 s-1. The quenching of N2(A) by H atoms was found to have a rate constant \u3e 5 × 10-12 cm3 s-1 and, as such, represents a major loss channel for N2(A). © 1988 American Chemical Society