High enthalpy source dedicated to quantitative infrared emission spectroscopy of gas flows at elevated temperatures.

The High Enthalpy Source (HES) is a novel high temperature source developed to measure infrared line-by-line integrated absorption cross sections of flowing gases up to 2000 K. The HES relies on a porous graphite furnace designed to uniformly heat a constant flow of gas. The flow compensates thermal dissociation by renewing continuously the gas sample and eliminating dissociation products. The flowing characteristics have been investigated using computational fluid dynamics simulation confirming good temperature uniformity. The HES has been coupled to a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer to record emission spectra of methane at temperatures ranging between 700 and 1400 K. A radiative model has been developed to extract absolute line intensities from the recorded spectra.

Synthesis, High-Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy, and Vibrational Structure of Cubane, C8H8.

Carbon-cage molecules have generated a considerable interest from both experimental and theoretical points of view. We recently performed a high-resolution study of adamantane (C10H16), the smallest hydrocarbon cage belonging to the diamandoid family ( Pirali , O. ; et al. J. Chem. Phys. 2012 , 136 , 024310 ). There exist another family of hydrocarbon cages with additional interesting chemical properties: the so-called platonic hydrocarbons that comprise dodecahedrane (C20H20) and cubane (C8H8). Both possess C-C bond angles that deviate from the tetrahedral angle (109.8°) of the sp(3) hybridized form of carbon. This generates a considerable strain in the molecule. We report a new wide-range high-resolution study of the infrared spectrum of cubane. The sample was synthesized in Bari upon decarboxylation of 1,4-cubanedicarboxylic acid thanks to the improved synthesis of literature. Several spectra have been recorded at the AILES beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. They cover the 600-3200 cm(-1) region. Besides the three infrared-active fundamentals (ν10, ν11, and ν12), we could record many combination bands, all of them displaying a well-resolved octahedral rotational structure. We present here a preliminary analysis of some of the recorded bands, performed thanks the SPVIEW and XTDS software, based on the tensorial formalism developed in the Dijon group. A comparison with ab initio calculations, allowing to identify some combination bands, is also presented.

Strong thermal nonequilibrium in hypersonic CO and CH4 probed by CRDS.

A new experimental setup coupling a High Enthalpy Source (HES) reaching 2000 K to a cw-cavity ring-down spectrometer has been developed to investigate rotationally cold hot bands of polyatomic molecules in the [1.5, 1.7] µm region. The rotational and vibrational molecular degrees of freedom are strongly decoupled in the hypersonic expansion produced by the HES and probed by cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Carbon monoxide has been used as a first test molecule to validate the experimental approach. Its expansion in argon led to rotational and vibrational temperatures of 6.7 ± 0.8 K and 2006 ± 476 K, respectively. The tetradecad polyad of methane (1.67 µm) was investigated under similar conditions leading to rotational and vibrational temperatures of 13 ± 5 K and 750 ± 100 K, respectively. The rotationally cold structure of the spectra reveals many hot bands involving highly excited vibrational states of methane.

Resolving the forbidden band of SF6.

Sulfur hexafluoride is an important molecule for modeling thermophysical and polarizability properties. It is also a potent greenhouse gas of anthropogenic origin, whose concentration in the atmosphere, although very low is increasing rapidly; its global warming power is mostly conferred by its strong infrared absorption in the ν3 S-F stretching region near 948 cm(-1). This heavy species, however, features many hot bands at room temperature (at which only 31% of the molecules lie in the ground vibrational state), especially those originating from the lowest, v6 = 1 vibrational state. Unfortunately, the ν6 band itself (near 347 cm(-1)), in the first approximation, is both infrared- and Raman-inactive, and no reliable spectroscopic information could be obtained up to now and this has precluded a correct modeling of the hot bands. It has been suggested theoretically and experimentally that this band might be slightly activated through Coriolis interaction with infrared-active fundamentals and appears in high pressure measurements as a very faint, unresolved band. Using a new cryogenic multipass cell with 93 m optical path length and regulated at 163 ± 2 K temperature, coupled to synchrotron radiation and a high resolution interferometer, the spectrum of the ν6 far-infrared region has been recorded. Low temperature was used to avoid the presence of hot bands. We are thus able to confirm that the small feature in this region, previously viewed at low-resolution, is indeed ν6. The fully resolved spectrum has been analyzed, thanks to the XTDS software package. The band appears to be activated by faint Coriolis interactions with the strong ν3 and ν4 fundamental bands, resulting in the appearance of a small first-order dipole moment term, inducing unusual selection rules. The band center (ν6 = 347.736707(35) cm(-1)) and rovibrational parameters are now accurately determined for the v6 = 1 level. The ν6 perturbation-induced dipole moment is estimated to be 33 ± 3 µD and the ν6 integrated intensity to be 0.0035 km mol(-1).

High resolution spectroscopy and the first global analysis of the Tetradecad region of methane 12CH4.

We present the first detailed analysis of the infrared spectrum of methane (12)CH4 in the so-called Tetradecad region from 2.1 to 1.6 µm (4760-6250 cm(-1)). New experimental high resolution FTIR spectra at 78 K and at room temperature combined with improved theoretical modeling have allowed quantum assignments to be greatly extended in this region. A global fit of all assigned lines of (12)CH4 in the 0-6200 cm(-1) region has been performed. In the end, 3012 line positions and 1387 intensities of 45 individual subbands of the Tetradecad were modeled up to J = 14. The root mean square deviations were 0.023 cm(-1) for line positions and 13.86% for line intensities in the Tetradecad region itself. Although this analysis is still preliminary, it is already sufficient to characterize the stronger bands throughout the whole of the Tetradecad. The calculated integrated intensity of the polyad is 1.399 × 10(-19) cm(-1)/(molecule cm(-2)) at 296 K. A "definitive" theoretical modeling of this spectral region of methane requires further work, but the present success substantially improves our understanding of methane spectroscopy as needed to interpret planetary atmospheres. Lines pertaining to three-fourths of the 60 sub-vibrational bands in this polyad have been assigned.

Rotationally resolved infrared spectroscopy of adamantane.

We present the first rotationally resolved spectra of adamantane (C(10)H(16)) applying gas-phase Fourier transform infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy. High-resolution IR spectra are recorded in the 33-4500 cm(-1)range using as source of IR radiation both synchrotron radiation (at the AILES beamline of the SOLEIL synchrotron) as well as a classical globar. Adamantane is a spherical top molecule with tetrahedral symmetry (T(d) point group) and has no permanent dipole moment in its vibronic ground state. Of the 72 fundamental vibrational modes in adamantane, only 11 are IR active. Here we present rotationally resolved spectra for seven of them: ν(30), ν(28), ν(27), ν(26), ν(25), ν(24), and ν(23). The typical rotational structure of spherical tops is observed and analyzed using the STDS software developed in the Dijon group, which provides the first accurate energy levels and rotational constants for seven fundamental modes. Rotational levels with quantum numbers as high as J = 107 have been identified and included in the fit leading to a typical standard deviation of about 10(-3) cm(-1).

Evidence for a polar ethane cloud on Titan.

Spectra from Cassini's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer reveal the presence of a vast tropospheric cloud on Titan at latitudes 51 degrees to 68 degrees north and all longitudes observed (10 degrees to 190 degrees west). The derived characteristics indicate that this cloud is composed of ethane and forms as a result of stratospheric subsidence and the particularly cool conditions near the moon's north pole. Preferential condensation of ethane, perhaps as ice, at Titan's poles during the winters may partially explain the lack of liquid ethane oceans on Titan's surface at middle and lower latitudes.

Rotational Raman spectroscopy of ethylene using a femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe technique.

Femtosecond Raman-induced polarization spectroscopy (RIPS) was conducted at low pressure (250 mb at 295 K and 400 mb at 373 K) in ethylene. The temporal signal, resulting from the beating between pure rotational coherences, was measured with a heterodyne detection. The temporal traces were converted to the frequency domain using a Fourier transformation and then analyzed thanks to the D2hTDS software (http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/LPUB/shTDS.html) dedicated to X2Y4 molecules with D2h symmetry. The effective Hamiltonian was expanded up to order 2, allowing the determination of five parameters with an rms of 0.017 cm(-1). Special care was taken in the precise modeling of intensities, taking into account all instrumental effects. Relative intensities were fitted (with an rms of 7.2%) and two polarizability operators were determined.

Diode laser spectroscopy of the nu(8) band of the SF(5)Cl molecule.

Diode laser spectra of SF(5)Cl have been recorded in the nu(8) band region at a temperature of ca. 240 K, a pressure of 0.25 mbar and an instrumental bandwidth of ca. 0.001 cm(-1). Four regions have been studied: a first one in the P-branch (906.849-907.687 cm(-1)), a second one in the Q-branch (910.407-910.944 cm(-1)), and two other ones in the R-branch (913.957-914.556 and 917.853-918.705 cm(-1) ). The whole nu(1)/nu(8) dyad of SF(5)35Cl has been previously recorded in the group of Professor H. Burger in Wuppertal, thanks to a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. These data have thus been combined with our diode laser ones in the aim of refining the analysis. We used an effective Hamiltonian developed up to the fourth order and a set of programs called C(4nu)TDS. One thousand three hundred and forty-six transitions for nu(1), 495 (FTIR: 351; diode laser: 144) transitions for nu(8), and 406 ground state combination differences have been assigned and fitted. A global fit has been obtained with a rms of 0.00081 cm(-1) for the nu(1) band, 0.0012 cm(-1) for the FTIR data of the nu(8) band, 0.00055 cm(-1) for the diode laser data of this same band, and 0.00064 cm(-1) for the ground state. It appears that more data (for instance, using a supersonic jet) are still necessary to obtain a completely satisfactory analysis of the nu(8) region.

High-Resolution Spectroscopy and Analysis of the nu(3) and nu(4) Fundamentals of Monoisotopic (70)GeF(4).

The first high-resolution study on germanium tetrafluoride is reported. We used a monoisotopic sample of (70)GeF(4). The FTIR spectra of the two infrared active fundamentals, namely the nu(4) (bending) and nu(3) (stretching) modes, were recorded at a temperature of ca. 210 K and a resolution (1/maximum optical path difference) of 0.0031 and 0.0023 cm(-1), respectively. These spectra were analyzed using the STDS software developed in Dijon. In both cases, we obtained a fit with a root mean square better than 1x10(-3) cm(-1). Both bands show very regular structures with no detectable perturbation. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

High-Resolution Spectroscopy and Analysis of the nu(4) Bending Region of SF(6) near 615 cm(-1).

The high-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of the nu(4) bending region of SF(6) near 615 cm(-1) has been recorded at 213 K. We were able to perform a simultaneous analysis of the nu(4) and nu(4) + nu(6) - nu(6) bands of the main isotopomer, namely (32)SF(6). This is the first detailed analysis of a hot band for this molecule. The nu(4) band of (34)SF(6) was also analyzed and the Q branch of the nu(4) band of (33)SF(6) was identified. In both cases we used the HTDS software developed in Dijon. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

A Tensorial Formalism Adapted to the Rovibronic Couplings in the Colored Hexafluorides: Application to the nu(5)(F(2g)) and nu(3)(F(1u)) Modes.

A tensorial formalism adapted to the case of transition-metal hexafluorides in a degenerate electronic state has been developed on the basis of preceding works about spherical-top molecules in a nondegenerate electronic state. We have introduced electronic operators constructed using group theory features and some physical considerations. Vibronic couplings (Jahn-Teller effect, etc.) have been reviewed for the triply degenerate vibrational modes nu(5)(F(2g)) and nu(3)(F(1u)) leading to the identification of the main vibronic parameters. For the first time, an effective rovibronic Hamiltonian as well as the effective transition moment operators (dipole moment and polarizability) for rovibronic transitions have been studied qualitatively thanks to the tensorial algebra properties. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Spectroscopy of XY(5)Z (C(4v)) Molecules: A Tensorial Formalism Adapted to the O(3) superset O(h) superset C(4v) Chain.

A tensorial formalism adapted to the case of XY(5)Z symmetric tops has been developed as an extension of the usual one for the octahedral molecules. We use the O(3) superset O(h) superset C(4&v) group chain. All the coupling coefficients and formulas for the computation of matrix elements are given for this chain. Such relations are also deduced in the C(4v) group itself. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Spectroscopy of XY(5)Z (C(4v)) Molecules: Development of the Hamiltonian and the Transition Moment Operators Using a Tensorial Formalism.

We present a development of the Hamiltonian, dipole moment, and polarizability operators of XY(5)Z (C(4v)) molecules using a tensorial formalism derived from the one developed previously in Dijon for XY(6) molecules. These operators are involved in the calculation of the energies and intensities of rovibrational transitions and are essential for spectrum simulations. Expressions for the matrix elements are derived for all these operators. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Analysis of the "Unusual" Vibrational Components of Triply Degenerate Vibrational Mode nu(6) of Mo(CO)(6) Based on the Classical Interpretation of the Effective Rotation-Vibration Hamiltonian.

Rotational structure of the triply degenerate vibrational state nu(6)(F(1u)) of the octahedral molecule Mo(CO)(6) is analyzed qualitatively on the basis of classical mechanics. We show that the energy level redistribution between the vibrational components of nu(6)(F(1u)) occurs due to rotational excitation and is related to the formation of singular points of classical rotational energy surfaces. The singularity is stable under small variations of parameters of the effective rovibrational Hamiltonian. Parameters responsible for the persistence of this phenomenon are specified. Comparison with quantum calculations demonstrates the high qualitative and quantitative accuracy of our classical analysis. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Simultaneous Analysis of the nu(2) Raman and nu(2) + nu(6) Infrared Spectra of the SF(6) Molecule.

High-resolution Raman spectra of the nu(2) band of SF(6) have been recorded at a temperature of 195 K (dry ice) and a pressure of 39 mbar. These spectra were analyzed using a new set of programs specially written for XY(6) molecules. These programs, called HTDS (highly spherical top data system) in reference to the set of programs called STDS (spherical top data system written for XY(4) molecules) can be freely accessible through ftp (user anonymous) at jupiter.u-bourgogne.fr or on the web at the URL http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/LPUB/shTDS.html. The study of nu(2) was made using a Hamiltonian developed through the third order. Four parameters were determined. The standard deviation obtained using about 559 data up to J < 61 is 0.0021 cm(-1). This result is used to refine by simultaneous analysis the nu(2) and nu(2) + nu(6) bands of SF(6). This new fit allows the determination for the first time of some nu(6) parameters. The values obtained for this band (forbidden in Raman and in infrared) will be used to study the infrared hot bands in the nu(3) and nu(4) regions. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Development of the Dipole Moment and Polarizability Operators of Octahedral Molecules.

We present a development of the dipole moment and polarizability operators of octahedral molecules, using a tensorial formalism analogous to the one developed for tetrahedral molecules. These operators are involved in the calculation of the intensities of rovibrational transitions as well as in the calculation of the Stark effect. Expressions for the matrix elements are derived. Two simplified models for the study of the Stark effect in such molecules are also proposed and discussed. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Ab Initio Calculations and High-Resolution Spectroscopy of the Bending Pentad of SiH2D2 in the 10-16 µm Region.

The SiH2D2 asymmetric top has nine vibrational modes, five of them forming a pentad strongly perturbed by Coriolis interactions. High-level ab initio calculations of SiH2D2 have been performed which yield numerous spectroscopic parameters related to the harmonic and anharmonic force fields. The bending pentad comprising nu4(A1), nu7(B1), nu5(A2), nu9(B2), and nu3(A1) has been studied by high-resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy; the region 600-1050 cm-1 has been investigated with a resolution of ca. 4 x 10(-3) cm-1. Raman BOXCARS spectroscopy has been used for the infrared inactive nu5 band. The Raman apparatus function was 0.0054 cm-1. Assignments of about 4000 transitions including all bands have been made, mostly employing ground state combination differences techniques, and a global fit has been performed. The fundamentals nu4 (681.624 cm-1), nu7 (742.640 cm-1), nu5 (842.381 cm-1), nu9 (859.750 cm-1), and nu3 (942.741 cm-1) are strongly coupled by A-, B-, and C-type Coriolis interactions, and ab initio predictions of these interaction parameters were used to set up a network of interactions that was refined by the experimental data. The global standard deviation for the entire body of data is 7.1 x 10(-4) cm-1. Satisfactory synthetic spectra which are very sensitive to relative signs of dipole moment derivatives and Coriolis interaction constants were obtained with the guidance of ab initio calculations. Finally, fair to good agreement of experimental and ab initio calculated molecular parameters was obtained. For the first time, a complete analysis of the pentad of SiH2D2 in the 10-16 µm region has been carried out. A full set of rovibrational parameters is given for these five interacting levels, including first and second order Coriolis interaction constants. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

High-Resolution Jet-Cooled Spectroscopy of SF6: The nu2 + nu6 Combination Band of 32SF6 and the nu3 Band of the Rare Isotopomers.

The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of SF6 was recorded in a supersonic expansion jet of an SF6/argon mixture. The SF6:Ar seeding ratio was 2:3. The instrumental bandwidth was 0.005 cm-1. A globar source and an MCT detector were used. A rotational temperature of approximately 30 K was achieved. The nu2 + nu6 combination band of 32SF6 was analyzed using a modified version of the spherical top data system (STDS) programs developed in Dijon. A very good fit was obtained for this band with an rms of 0.0036 cm-1. The effective Hamiltonian was developed up to fourth order for the nu2 + nu6 part, to second order for the nu2 and ground state parts, and to first order for the nu6 part. Five hundred twenty-one transitions were assigned, 40 of them reaching the F2u forbidden sublevel. The positions of the two F1u and F2u sublevels are found to be 991.276 and 989.487 cm-1, respectively. The nu3 band of the 33SF6 and 34SF6 isotopomers were also analyzed. Parameters and simulations are presented. A first detection of the nu3 Q branch of 36SF6 (0.02% natural abundance) is reported. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.