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At least 127 records · Page 7

Analysis method for Fourier transform spectroscopy

A fast Fourier transform technique is given for the simulation of those distortion effects in the instrument line shape of the interferometric spectrum that are due to errors in the measured interferogram. The technique is applied to analyses of atmospheric absorption spectra and laboratory spectra. It is shown that the nonlinear least squares method can retrieve the correct information from the distorted spectrum. Analyses of HF absorption spectra obtained in a laboratory and solar CO absorption spectra gathered by a balloon-borne interferometer indicate that the retrieved amount of absorbing gas is less than the correct value in most cases, if the interferogram distortion effects are not included in the analysis.

Park, J. H.↗

Laser Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Neutral and Ionized Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Cosmic Simulation Chamber

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules are considered the best carriers to account for the ubiquitous infrared emission bands. PAHs have also been proposed as candidates to explain the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), a series of absorption features seen on the interstellar extinction curve and are plausible carriers for the extended red emission (ERE), a photoluminescent process associated with a wide variety of interstellar environments. Extensive efforts have been devoted over the past two decades to characterize the physical and chemical properties of PAH molecules and ions in space. Absorption spectra of PAH molecules and ions trapped in solid matrices have been compared to the DIBs. Absorption spectra of several cold, isolated gas-phase PAHs have also been measured under experimental conditions that mimic the interstellar conditions. The purpose of this study is to provide a new dimension to the existing spectroscopic database of neutral and single ionized PAHs that is largely based on absorption spectra by adding emission spectroscopy data. The measurements are based on the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique and are performed with the Pulsed Discharge Nozzle (PDN) of the COSmIC laboratory facility at NASA Ames laboratory. The PDN generates a plasma in a free supersonic jet expansion to simulate the physical and the chemical conditions in interstellar environments. We focus, here, on the fluorescence spectra of large neutral PAHs and their cations where there is a lack of fluorescence spectroscopy data. The astronomical implications of the data (e.g., ERE) are examined.

Laboratory↗

A study of the absorption-line spectra of six high-redshift quasi-stellar objects

High-resolution spectrograms of six QSOs with apparent visual magnitudes of 17.0 to 18.5 and redshifts greater than 2 are studied for absorption lines. Accurate wavelengths are measured for all the absorption lines that could be detected, attempts are made to identify redshift systems, and the redshifts in each object are examined. Analysis of the absorption-line spectra shows that: (1) a large number of redshifts covering a wide range of values are present in five of the QSOs; (2) about two-thirds of the absorption lines remain unidentified, cannot be of Galactic origin, and are not associated with existing redshift systems; (3) many comparatively small absorption redshifts exist which, if they are due to intervening galaxies, must be produced by very large halos; and (4) in one QSO there is a possible redshift system containing five lines with an absorption redshift that is significantly greater than the emission redshift.

Roberts, D. H.↗

Absorption-line spectra of quasi-stellar objects - Physical properties of absorbing gas

The optical absorption lines of quasars are examined, and implications of the lines for the physical properties of the absorbing gas are discussed. Consideration is given to the characteristics of broad absorption lines observed in such quasars as PHL 5200 and Q 1246-057 and of the more prevalent extremely narrow lines, with discussion of the presumed physical conditions in the absorbing gas and the distribution of absorption-line redshifts with respect to emission-line redshifts. It is pointed out that absorption features become more prevalent in quasar spectra with emission redshifts greater than 2.3, and results of studies of column densities and abundances and of the presence of absorption in radio compact quasars are indicated. Research programs currently under way are then described, including a search for the distribution of absorption lines in a fixed wavelength range less than the Lyman alpha emission wavelength, study of low absorption-redshift systems, a study of individual objects such as the quasar pair 1548+114a and b, and various theoretical investigations.

Burbidge, E. M.↗

Pulsed Discharge Nozzle Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy of Cold PAH Ions

The gas-phase electronic absorption spectra of the naphthalene (C10H8(+)) and acenaphthene (C12H10(+)) cations have been measured in the visible range in a free 10 jet planar expansion in an attempt to collect data in an astrophysically relevant environment. The direct absorption spectra of two out of four bands measured of the gas-phase cold naphthalene cation along with the gas-phase vibronic absorption spectrum of the cold acenaphthene cation are reported for the first time. The study has been carried out using the ultrasensitive and versatile technique of cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) coupled to a pulsed discharge slit nozzle (PDN). The new CRDS-PDN set up is described and its characteristics are evaluated. The direct-absorption spectra of the PAH ions are discussed and compared to the gas-phase and solid-phase data available in the literature. The analysis of the results show that cold, free flying PAH ions are generated in the argon discharge primarily through soft Penning ionization. This enables the intrinsic band profiles to be measured, a key requirement for astrophysical applications.

Biennier, Ludovic↗

Crystal field spectra of lunar pyroxenes.

Absorption spectra in the visible and near infrared regions have been obtained for pyroxene single crystals in rocks from the Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15 missions. The polarized spectra are compared with those obtained from terrestrial calcic clinopyroxenes, subcalcic augites, pigeonites, and orthopyroxenes. The lunar pyroxenes contain several broad, intense absorption bands in the near infrared, the positions of which are related to bulk composition, Fe(2+) site occupancy and structure type of the pyroxene. The visible spectra contain several sharp, weak peaks mainly due to spin-forbidden transitions in Fe(2+). Additional weak bands in this region in Apollo 11 pyroxenes are attributed to Ti(3+) ions. Spectral features from Fe(3+), Mn(2+), Cr(3+), and Cr(2+) were not observed.

Burns, R. G.↗

New spectral features of stratospheric trace gases

A new Michelson-type interferometer system operating in the infrared at very high resolution (0.002 to 0.003 wavenumber FWHM) was used to record numerous balloon-borne solar absorption spectra of the stratosphere, ground-based solar absorption spectra, and laboratory spectra of molecules of atmospheric interest. Results obtained are reported for several important stratospheric trace gases, HNO3, ClONO2, HO2NO2, NO2, and COF2, in the 8 to 12 micron spectral region. Many features of these gases were identified in the stratospheric spectra. Comparison of the spectra with line-by-line simulations shows previous spectral parameters are often inadequate. New analysis of high resolution laboratory and atmospheric spectra and improved theoretical calculations will be required for all bands. Preliminary versions of several sets of improved line parameters are presented.

Goldman, A.↗

Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy of Anthracene, 9-Methylanthracene, and 2 Methylanthracene in Supersonic Expansion

The S0–S1 absorption spectra of anthracene (C14H10), 9-methylanthracene (C15H12), and 2-methylanthracene (C15H12) are measured in the ultraviolet region between 330 and 375 nm (26,666 to 30,303 cm–1) with cavity ring-down spectroscopy in supersonic free-jet expansions of argon. The associated vibronic band systems and their spectroscopic assignments are discussed and compared to previous studies performed using fluorescence excitation and dispersed fluorescence techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to study the structures and evaluate the vibrational transitions of the ground and excited states. Time-dependent DFT calculations of the first electronic excited states and Franck–Condon factor calculations were carried out to assist in the assignment of the experimentally measured vibronic bands. The vibronic spectra obtained in absorption agree well with fluorescence excitation spectra in terms of peak positions but exhibit different relative band intensities. We find a very good match between experimentally obtained vibronic line positions and the peak positions of the quantum chemically calculated Franck–Condon excitation lines.

Salma Bejaoui↗

Infrared fluorescence from PAHs in the laboratory

Several celestial objects, including UV rich regions of planetary and reflection nebulae, stars, H II regions, and extragalactic sources, are characterized by the unidentified infrared emission bands (UIR bands). A few years ago, it was proposed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon species (PAHs) are responsible for most of the UIR bands. This hypothesis is based on a spectrum analysis of the observed features. Comparisons of observed IR spectra with lab absorption spectra of PAHs support the PAH hypothesis. An example spectrum is represented, where the Orion Bar 3.3 micron spectrum is compared with the absorption frequencies of the PAHs Chrysene, Pyrene, and Coronene. The laser excited 3.3 micron emission spectrum is presented from a gas phase PAH (azulen). The infrared fluorescence theory (IRF) is briefly explained, followed by a description of the experimental apparatus, a report of the results, and discussion.

Cherchneff, Isabelle↗

New spectral features of stratospheric trace gases identified from high-resolution infrared balloon-borne and laboratory spectra

A new Michelson-type interferometer system operating in the infrared at very high resolution has been used to record numerous balloon-borne solar absorption spectra of the stratosphere, ground-based solar absorption spectra, and laboratory spectra of molecules of atmospheric interest. In the present work results obtained for several important stratospheric trace gases, HNO3, CIONO2, HO2NO2, NO2, and COF2, in the 8- to 12-micron spectral region are reported. Many new features of these gases have been identified in the stratospheric spectra. Comparison of the new spectra with line-by-line simulations shows that previous spectral line parameters are often inadequate and that new analysis of high-resolution laboratory and atmospheric spectra and improved theoretical calculations will be required for many bands. Preliminary versions of several sets of improved line parameters under development are discussed.

Goldman, A.↗

Cold atomic gas in the inner Galaxy

A new set of 21 cm H I absorption spectra were obtained toward 21 compact continuum sources in the Galactic plane is presented. The 21 cm line velocity-averaged absorption coefficient as a function of Galactocentric distance is calculated. The result for distances within 2 kpc of the sun agrees with the local value found from absorption toward pulsars of 5-7 km/s/kpc. Overall, the absorption coefficient decreases to about half of its local value inside a Galactocentric radius of about 4 kpc. This decrease is shown to be primarily due to an increase in the mean line-of-sight distance between absorbing atomic clouds. Thus, the cool phase of the atomic gas is less abundant in the inner Galaxy than at the solar circle. The absorption spectra are similar in appearance to existing (C-12)O spectra. The spectral regions which show H I absorption also show CO emission.

Garwood, Robert W.↗

Beer Law Constants and Vapor Pressures of HgI2 over HgI2(s,l)

Optical absorption spectra of the vapor phase over HgI2(s,l) were measured at sample temperatures between 349 and 610 K for wavelengths between 200 and 600 nm. The spectra show the samples sublimed congruently into HGI2 without any observed Hg or I2 absorption spectra. The Beer's Law constants for 15 wavelengths between 200 and 440 nm were derived. From these constants the vapor pressure of HgI2, P, was found to be a function of temperature for the liquid and the solid beta-phases: ln P(atm) = -7700/T(K) + 12.462 (liquid phase) and ln P(atm) = -10150/T(K) + 17.026 (beta-phase). The expressions match the enthalpies of vaporization and sublimation of 15.30 and 20.17 kcal/mole respectively, for the liquid and the beta-phase HgI2. The difference in the enthalpies gives an enthalpy of fusion of 4.87 kcal/mole, and the intersection of the two expressions gives a melting point of 537 K.

Su, Ching-Hua↗

Effect of interferogram smearing on atmospheric limb sounding by Fourier transform spectroscopy

An analytical method for the analysis of absorption spectra obtained from the interferograms of an interferometer operated in the solar occultation mode, in which an interferogram is smeared with individual interferogram components generated by the passage of rays at different tangent altitudes, is described. The creation of strong sidelobes on absorption lines by the interferogram smearing leads to the recommendation of a strong apodization on the interferogram for the solar occultation experiment. The application of these concepts to the simultaneous retrieval of temperature and pressure from CO2 4.3-micron band stratospheric absorption spectra includes the analysis of the continuum absorptions by the pressure-induced N2 fundamental bands and by far wings of the CO2 v3 band. Agreement is reported between observed and simulated spectra.

Park, J. H.↗

High Resolution Near-IR Spectroscopy of Protostars With Large Telescopes

It is now possible to measure absorption spectra of Class I protostars using D greater than or = 8m telescopes equipped with sensitive cryogenic IR spectrographs. Our latest high-resolution (R approx. 20,000) Keck data reveal that Class I protostars are indeed low-mass stars with dwarf-like features. However, they differ from T Tauri stars in that Class I protostars have much higher IR veilings (tau(sub k) greater than or = 1 - 3+) and they are rotating quickly, v sin i greater than 20 km/s. Interestingly, the vast majority of protostellar absorption spectra show stellar - not disk - absorption features. A preliminary H-R diagram suggests that protostellar photospheres may have different physical structures than T Tauri stars, perhaps due to their higher accretion rates.

Greene, Tom↗

Optical constants of liquid and solid methane

The optical constants n(sub r) + in(sub i) of liquid methane and phase 1 solid methane were determined over the entire spectral range by the use of various data sources published in the literature. Kramers-Kronig analyses were performed on the absorption spectra of liquid methane at the boiling point (111 K) and the melting point (90 K) and on the absorption spectra of phase 1 solid methane at the melting point and at 30 K. Measurements of the static dielectric constant at these temperatures and refractive indices determined over limited spectral ranges were used as constraints in the analyses. Applications of methane optical properties to studies of outer solar system bodies are described.

Martonchik, John V.↗

Laboratory infrared studies relevant to Io: A satellite to the planet Jupiter

To explain the unidentified spectral features of Io, as obtained by the Voyager infrared spectrometer experiment, the infrared absorption spectra of a number of stable sulfur and oxygen compounds was measured and compared to the Voyager data. Based on the reference absorption bands of Na2SO4 and possibly SO2, the infrared data on Io in the region 700 to 200 per cm appear to represent an emission spectrum. Given the strong evidence for an oxidized crustal environment and the presence of sodium in the Io torus, the absorption spectra of the tested materials support the probability of Na2SO4 occurrence on Io.

Khanna, R. K.↗

Growth of ZnTe by Physical Vapor Transport and Traveling Heater Method

ZnTe crystals were grown by horizontal physical vapor transport (PVT) and a Te-solution vertical traveling heater method (THM). The grown crystals were examined by X-ray Laue diffraction technique and Hall measurements to determine the growth orientation and the electrical properties of the crystals. They were also characterized by low temperature infrared (IR) absorption measurements. Several sets of distinct peaks were observed in the IR absorption spectra for the THM samples and were identified as resulting from CU(2+) impurities. Similar measurements on vapor grown ZnTe showed featureless absorption spectra. Chemical analyses were carried out to measure the impurity content in various ZnTe samples and synchrotron radiation topography was used to Study crystalline microstructure of the (111) ZnTe single crystals grown by PVT.

Su, Ching-Hua↗