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\(^{-1}\) (\(\leq 0.15 \mu\)m) is needed. At 20-100~cm\(^{-1}\) (0.3 - 1.5~\(\mu\)m) resolution the identification of these minerals is uncertain, and with a resolution \(>100\)~cm\(^{-1}\), it is almost impossible.