Role of spectral resolution for infrared asteroid compositional analysis using meteorite spectra

In this work the potential mineral identification of meteorites is analysed for the mid-infrared range, to evaluate observational possibilities for future missions targeting small body surfaces. Three carbonaceous and three ordinary chondrite meteorites are examined by a diffuse reflection (DRIFT) instrument, and the presence of principal minerals is confirmed by a powder diffraction method as well. The possibilities and constraints of mineral identifications in the mid-infrared are simulated by artificially degrading the spectral resolution. Our research shows that for the definite identification of principal mineral bands, a spectral resolution $\leq 10$~cm$^{-1}$ ($\leq 0.15 μ$m) is needed. At 20-100~cm$^{-1}$ (0.3 - 1.5~$μ$m) resolution the identification of these minerals is uncertain, and with a resolution $>100$~cm$^{-1}$, it is almost impossible.

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