MIPAS Level 1B algorithms overview: Operational processing and characterization

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the MIPAS Level IB (L1B) processor whose main objective is to calibrate atmospheric measurements radiometrically, spectrally and geo-located. It presents also the results of instrument characterization done on ground and during the first years inflight. An accurate calibration is mandatory for high quality atmospheric retrievals. MIPAS has shown very good performance and stability. The noise equivalent spectral radiance ranges from 3 to 50nW/(cm2 srcm-1) and is well within the requirements over nearly the whole spetral range. The systematic radiometric error is estimated to be within 1 or 2% in most situations.