Non local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) atmospheric limb emission at 4.6 mu m - 1. An update of the CO2 non-LTE radiative transfer model

An update of the CO2 non local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) radiative transfer model of Lopez-Puertas et al. [1986a,b] is presented. The major improvements are (1) a revision of the modified Curtis matrix method; (2) a significant extension of the CO2 vibrational levels and bands (the current version includes 76 states and 129 transitions); and (3) a revision of the excitation mechanisms and collisional parameters. The major differences with previous results are discussed.