Advances in Terahertz Atmospheric Limb Sounding Techniques

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  • (Key Laboratory of Microwave Remote Sensing, National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China)
WANG wenyu, research areas include microwave/terahertz atmospheric remote sensing.
E-mail: wangwenyu@mirslab.cn
WANG Zhenzhan, research areas include microwave remote sensing calibration and application technology. E-mail: wangzhenzhan@mirslab.cn

Online published: 2025-03-13

Supported by

Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42105130).

Abstract

Abstract: Long-term observations and data analysis of the Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere, an important region for the study of atmospheric processes and even climate change for the study of human activities and climate change, are still sorely lacking. Terahertz limb-sounding technology can obtain atmospheric profiles all day and near all-weather with high vertical resolution (about 1~5 km), and is particularly sensitive to some of the halogen gases associated with ozone depletion which is an important method to measure the Earth's middle and upper atmosphere parameters. The Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere constitutes a crucial region for studying atmospheric processes and even climate change. However, there remains a significant lack of long-term observational data and comprehensive analysis for this atmospheric layer. Terahertz limb sounding technology has emerged as a vital tool for measuring atmospheric parameters in these regions, capable of obtaining atmospheric profiles with relatively high vertical resolution (1~5 km) under near-all-weather conditions with diurnal availability. Particularly sensitive to halogen gases associated with ozone depletion, this technology offers unique advantages. Focusing on terahertz limb sounding technology, this study systematically reviews the technological evolution and current status of terahertz payloads: While existing systems have successfully achieved high vertical resolution measurements of multiple trace gases in the middle and upper atmosphere, current payloads still face challenges such as bulky system configurations and inadequate noise suppression capabilities. Based on newly developed prototype payloads, next-generation terahertz detection systems primarily emphasize advancements in low-noise and miniaturization technologies. Regarding data processing, conventional physical retrieval algorithms suffer from low computational efficiency. The introduction of artificial intelligence technology demonstrates potential to significantly enhance retrieval efficiency while maintaining accuracy. Future development urgently requires breakthroughs in core technologies including terahertz low-noise receivers and high-resolution digital spectrometers, which will further propel the advancement of terahertz limb sounding technology in China.

Cite this article

WANG Wenyu, XU Jian, WANG Zhenzhan, LU Hao, LIU Jingyi, ZHANG Dehai . Advances in Terahertz Atmospheric Limb Sounding Techniques[J]. Advances in Earth Science, 0 : 1 . DOI: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2025.005.

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