Compositional implications of Christiansen frequency maximums for infrared remote sensing applications

Use of maximums in the infrared emission of particulate surfaces for compositional remote sensing is a recent development that has not been thoroughly investigated. We show that experimental conditions, such as particle size and packing, background temperature, atmospheric pressure, and uniformity of sample heating, all affect the wavelength of the emission maximum and the contrast of the spectrum. These effects emphasize the necessity for laboratory study of emission spectra under conditions which simulate the remote environment to provide appropriate information for correctly deciphering remote sensing data. When experimental conditions are held constant, simulating those on the moon, emission maximums are shown to be diagnostic of rock type.