SAFIRE-A (spectroscopy of the atmosphere by using far-infrared emission-airborne). Assessment of measurement capabilities and future developments

New measurement capabilities of the SAFIRE-A airborne spectrometer, based on a polarisation sensing optical scheme and suitable for investigation of aerosols and clouds properties, have been implemented and tested in a field campaign. The polarisation measuring configuration is described here with respect to the instrument layout for intensity measurements deployed in several scientific missions to study the chemistry and dynamics of the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere. First results of the novel experimental set-up, obtained during the APE-GAIA Antarctic campaign, are presented and discussed and possible measurement scenarios, relying on synergistic use of SAFIRE-A intensity and polarisation measuring modes, are envisaged for future applications.