Measurement of atmospheric ozone by differential absorption of solar radiation using a compact optical spectrometer

A compact and mobile optical spectrometer for the detection of total atmosp heric ozone is described. The ozone column is determined by differential ab sorption of solar radiation at two adjacent UV wavelengths (328 and 329 nm) . Measurements made during an 18 month period in South Germany confirm prev ious satellite data during the periods of October 1996 to February 1997, Ap ril 1997 to February 1998 and May 1998, but exhibit some ozone decrease in March 1997, as well as in April 1998, (C) 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Ins trumentation Engineers. [S0091-3286(00)02807-5].