Cavity ring down absorption at low temperatures: C–H spectra (Δυ = 1–6) of CH₃D and C–H overtones (Δυ = 5, 6) of CH₂D₂ and CH₄

Abstract

The spectra of the C–H stretch fundamental and overtones (Δυ = 1–6) of CH₃D have been recorded. Absorptions in the visible were obtained with a phase shift cavity ring down technique where an optical cavity is inside a low temperature cryostat. Absorptions below 12,000 cm⁻¹ were observed with a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The local mode harmonic frequency and anharmonicity were obtained and used with the harmonically coupled anharmonic oscillator (HCAO) model to calculate energy levels and assign the absorption bands to particular transitions. Overtone absorptions (Δυ = 5 and 6) of CH₄ and CH₂D₂ have also been obtained. The integrated absorption was calculated as a function of the density of the gas samples and used to obtain the band strength and the cross- section of the Δυ = 5 and 6 C–H transitions for each molecule. Cross–sections for CH₄ agree within 10% with traditional absorption measurements with a multiple pass cell at high pressures. The importance of the new experimental technique is emphasized for laboratory studies of planetary atmospheres.

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Robert A. Welch Foundation under Grant No AA-1173. Partial support is also acknowledged from the Baylor University Research Committee.