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Published on: December 18, 2015
Water Vapor Line Assignments in the Near Infrared
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
This study analyzes the high-resolution spectrum of water vapor, assigning hundreds of previously unassigned spectral lines. This research enhances our understanding of water vapor
Area of Science:
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- Quantum Chemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- High-resolution spectra provide critical data for understanding molecular behavior.
- Previous analysis of water vapor spectra left many lines unassigned.
- Accurate spectral data is essential for atmospheric modeling and remote sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assign previously unassigned lines in the high-resolution water vapor spectrum.
- To improve the accuracy and completeness of water vapor spectral databases.
- To extend the measured data for specific vibrational polyads and bands.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of high-resolution water vapor spectra (13,200–16,500 cm−1).
- Utilized high-accuracy ab initio calculations and spectroscopically determined potentials.
- Employed combination differences for assignment and reassignment validation.
Main Results:
- Assigned 663 of 795 unassigned H216O lines.
- Reassigned 38 existing lines.
- Provided first-time spectral information for several vibrational bands, including (240), (033), (160), (170), and (071).
Conclusions:
- The assignments significantly extend the available spectral data for water vapor.
- A substantial portion of remaining unassigned lines likely belong to the H218O isotopologue.
- This work refines our understanding of water vapor spectroscopy.
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