Search

We further develop a strategy for a line-by-line assignment of complex high-resolution overtone spectra. A search for specific line patterns in the spectrum allows to identify upper rotational states by extending the concept of ground state combination differences (GSCD). Simultaneous use of all GSCDs relating to a given upper state significantly reduces a probability of incorrect assignments. To test this approach, we have analysed a newly recorded spectrum of methanol in the first OH-stretch overtone region, 2νOH, between 7170 cm−1 and 7220 cm−1 at temperature of 19 K by combining a tunable-laser-diode absorption spectrometer with a slit-jet supersonic expansion. The spectrum consists of 1002 lines at this low temperature reflecting the fact that methanol is an asymmetric rotor with a hindered internal rotation. In total, 295 lines have been reliably assigned, representing 63% of the total intensity. Rotational energies and rotational quantum numbers for 52 upper states have been determined. Many of these states have the same quantum numbers, suggesting couplings to a manifold of 'dark' vibrational states in this overtone region.

We report results on nuclear spin symmetry conservation studied by high resolution spectroscopy of relative line intensities for the A and E nuclear spin isomers of symmetric top molecules CHD

This paper describes a novel approach for empirical lower state assignments in complex high resolution ro-vibrational overtone spectra of molecules with low rotational constants and complex intramolecular dynamics. Methanol, CH3OH, was chosen as a representative of such molecules - it is an asymmetric top with two non-hydrogen nuclei and hindered internal rotation leading to dense and disordered rotational structure of vibrational overtone bands. We report the first rotationally resolved methanol spectra of the OH-stretch overtone 2ν1 band using sub-Doppler diode laser spectroscopy in a supersonic jet, and describe how the combination of two temperature analysis (TTA) and analysis by ground state combination differences (GSCDs) is used to reliably identify spectral lines that originate from lowest rotational states. In the first step of the analysis, the TTA was utilized to obtain a set of possible rotational assignments for each spectral line using the line intensity variation between two different temperatures in the supersonic jet (13, and 56 K respectively). Thereafter, the GSCDs were used to confirm specific lower state assignment for those spectral lines that have been identified to have low rotational ground states by the TTA. We show that the TTA pre-selection leads to fast and reliable confirmation by GSCDs and avoids false assignments due to accidental GSCD matches. The procedure yields an important subset of reliably assigned spectral lines in the complex ro-vibrational structure that provides a convenient starting point for subsequent application of traditional spectral analysis techniques.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and tunable diode lasers in combination with a supersonic molecular beam expansion are a perfect tool for the investigation of molecules, ions, and radicals at low temperatures. The internal degrees of freedom of the molecules are adiabatically cooled to very low temperatures and thus only low-lying energy levels are populated. The reduction of the number of populated levels at low temperatures makes the assignment of the spectra much easier as compared to the congested room-temperature spectra. Under certain conditions, the Doppler linewidths are greatly reduced, corresponding to very low effective translational temperatures. Supersonic expansion also provides a suitable method for producing and investigating van der Waals clusters and hydrogen-bonded complexes. Unstable species such as radicals and ions can be efficiently produced and studied in a molecular beam. The low rotational temperature allows for the study of nuclear spin symmetry conservation or conversion between nuclear spin isomers. A molecular beam expansion can be obtained by expanding gas through a slit or a circular nozzle. Both expansion geometries can be used in combination with a multipass optical setup and with cavity ring down spectroscopy, which enhances the effective absorption path length. Cooling of the molecules can be promoted by seeding in noble gases. This article summarizes the general aspects of the experimental technique as well as current developments. To demonstrate how powerful the combination of a molecular beam expansion with tunable diode laser and FTIR spectroscopy can be, we report results on some important current examples. Keywords: FTIR; supersonic jet; diode laser; molecular beam; clusters; van der Waals complexes; hydrogen bonds; nuclear spin symmetry conservation; infrared spectroscopy; isotopes