Rotational Spectroscopy of the v2 State of Nitric Acid
Abstract
Because it is an important molecular species in the ozone cycle in the upper atmosphere, nitric acid (HNO_3) has been the subject of many studies in both the infrared and in the microwave region of the spectrum. Our previous microwave studies of the rotational spectrum of this molecule include work on excited states as high in energy as 1200 cm-1. Microwave studies of the rotational spectrum of HNO3 in excited vibrational states contribute both to a better understanding of this fundamental molecule and to the construction of accurate spectral maps for infrared remote sensing. We have recently assigned a number of new transitions in the v2 state of nitric acid, which has a vibrational energy around 1700 cm-1. Initial predictions of line positions for v2 were based on infrared results. No torsional splitting has been observed in the rotational transitions of v_2. Our recent progress on the assignment and analysis of transitions in this state will be presented along with a general overview of our work on the rotational spectrum of other excited states of nitric acid.
- Publication:
-
APS Southeastern Section Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..SES.CC008H