HIRIS (High Resolution Interferometer Spectrometer) Rocketborne Spectra of Infrared Fluorescence in the O(3)(v3) Band Near 100 km

摘要

High-resolution O3(v3) spectra emission data, obtained between 80 and 125 km during an aurora by the rocketborne HIRIS cryogenic interferometer spectrometer, have been analyzed by a spectral simulation/least squares technique. Data obtained below 110 km exhibit behavior independent of local auroral strength and thus appear to represent quiescent nightglow. The derived vibrational state population distributions for levels V3 greater than or = 1 can be expressed as vibrational temperatures of 400-600 K. This result is interpreted in terms of formation of O3(v3) by three-body recombination of 0 and O2 as well as other radiative and collisional processes. Additional data, obtained near 120 km and sampling intense auroral arcs, indicate a hitherto unexpected enhancement of O3(v3) fluorescence intensity and vibrational state distribution.