Molecular Spectroscopy Using Diode and Combined Diode-CO₂ Lasers

Abstract

An increasing number of molecules have been detected in interstellar space and envelopes of stars using radio and infrared techniques in astronomy [1]. It is apparent that extensive laboratory studies of these molecules, and others thought susceptible of being in space, are warranted as an aid in the identification and understanding of newly discovered features, and to predict promising spectral regions for astronomical research. In this context we report briefly on the results of two types of investigation using an infrared diode laser spectrometer. The first consists in simple absorption measurements on the long chain carbon molecules HC₃N and HC₅N, and a recently synthesized molecule, C₃OS, in the 5μ region. The second consists in the use of combined CO₂-diode lasers for obtaining two-photon spectra in the l0μ region.