SFIT4 Line-by-line nonlinear spectral fitting software: version 1.0.21

SFIT4 is a radiative transfer and atmospheric constituent profile retrieval algorithm for use with spectra recorded in solar absorption and emission across the infrared spectrum. The predecessors of SFIT4 (SFIT & SFIT2) were co-developed over time at NASA Langley, NIWA Lauder NZ and the Univ. of Denver (Chang & Shaw, 1977, Niple, 1980, Goldman et al., 1980, Pougatchev & Rinsland, 1995). This version of SFIT4 v1.0.21 implements a line-by-line code with 1st order line-mixing and the generalized lineshape profile algorithm pCqSDHC (Ngo, 2013) and has the possibility of explicit Total Internal Partition Function (TIPS) calculations (Fischer, 2003). It implements upwards looking geometry using Fourier Transform interferometer spectra. For the retrieval of atmospheric chemical profiles the Optimal Estimation (Rodgers 2000) and Thikonov-Phillips-regularization (Tikhonov 1995) methodologies are implemented. SFIT4 allows the use of a user defined regularization matrix. The raytracing algorithm (FASCATM) is integrated in the code (Smith, et. al., 1978, Gallery, et. al., 1983, Shephard, et. al., 2009).

SFIT4 is one of two standard retrieval codes employed by the NDACC IRWG (NDACC Infrared Working Group) and consequently operationally employed for satellite and model validation, trend evaluation and broad range of atmospheric research purposes.

The SFIT4 retrieval algorithm is designed to work with spectroscopic data from HITRAN (Rothman 2005, Rothman 2013, Gordon 2017, Gordon 2022) and ATM (Toon 2017, Toon 2022).

The algorithm is driven with an a-priori state of the atmosphere (pressure, temperature and volume mixing ratio profiles for the atmospheric constituents). A-priori input profiles for selected sites are extracted from WACCM v6 (Gettelman 2019). The retrieval of temperature profiles is possible from version 1.0.18 onwards.

The source code can be obtained from the links below or from https://wiki.ucar.edu/display/sfit4/SFIT+Core+Code.

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Cite this as (APA format)

Hannigan, J., Palm, M., Jones, N., Ortega, I., Langerock, B., Mahieu, E., Zhou, M., & Smale, D. (2024). SFIT4 Line-by-line nonlinear spectral fitting software: version 1.0.21 (Version 1.0.21) [Computer software]. Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy. https://doi.org/10.18758/clyg3euo

Users of this DOI are kindly encouraged to contact the author(s) for help and cooperation towards further successful utilisation.

Author(s)
Principal

Hannigan, Jamesorcid, National Center for Atmospheric Research
Other(s)

Palm, Mathiasorcid, University of Bremen; Jones, Nicholasorcid, Wollongong University; Ortega, Ivanorcid, National Center for Atmospheric Research; Langerock, Bavoorcid, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy; Mahieu, Emmanuelorcid, University of Liège; Zhou, Minqiangorcid, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy; Smale, Danorcid, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Lauder New Zealand;

Contact data-contact of Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy

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Additional info
Repository homepage

https://data.aeronomie.be/dataset/
Last Updated

April 3, 2026
Created

September 3, 2024

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