OH A2Σ+ –X2Π band ratios observed in the mesosphere by OSIRIS

Abstract

In this study, we present spectra of the mesospheric OH A2Σ+ –X2Π band system, including the 0–0, 1–1, and 1–0 bands, as observed by OSIRIS (Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System). Spectral components due to Rayleigh-scattered sunlight, lower thermospheric dayglow emission features, and baffle scatter have been removed to isolate the OH emission signature. The observed spectra are compared with model spectra assembled using rotational emission rate factors for solar resonance fluorescence (g-factors) plus prompt emission of the OH A2Σ+ –X2Π band system from solar Lyman-α photodissociation of water. The observed band ratios are in good agreement with the model values. The altitude variation of the 0–0 band, relative to the 1–1 band, is in agreement with model predictions based on vibrational energy transfer from OH A2Σ+ ν′ = 1 to OH A2Σ+ ν′ = 0. This detailed understanding of the OH A2Σ+ –X2Π system is critical for the successful application of OH observations to the determination of mesospheric OH densities and water vapor concentrations.PACS Nos.: 33.20.Lg, 33.20.Tp, 33.70.Fd, 92.60.hc, 92.60.hw