Role of spectral resolution for infrared asteroid compositional analysis using meteorite spectra

Abstract

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.