The OMPS Limb Profiler ozone and aerosol profile retrieval algorithms

The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb Profiler (LP) instrument is scheduled to fly on the NPOESS Preparatory Program (NPP) satellite, which will launch in 2011. To prepare for the imminent launch, the algorithm development team has focused its efforts on improving the retrieval software. This talk will discuss recent improvements in the OMPS LP ozone and aerosol retrieval algorithms. The radiative transfer model used to simulate the limb radiance will be described, including the key steps taken to increase its speed, and to improve the fidelity with which the OMPS LP instrument characteristics are represented. The theoretical basis for the ozone and aerosol retrievals will then be presented, accompanied by discussion of the importance of retrieving additional ancillary information (such as scene brightness and instrument attitude). The algorithms have been tested with two forms of simulated data. The first form uses the radiances calculated by a radiative transfer model to simulate OMPS LP measurements. The second form uses proxy data obtained from the Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS), and SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) instruments, altered to resemble OMPS LP measurements. The lessons learned from these tests will be discussed, and the current performance of the ozone and aerosol retrieval algorithms will be presented.