MICROWAVE SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF VIBRATIONAL EXCITATION OF OXYGEN OR CARBON MONOXIDE IN GLOW DISCHARGES

Abstract

The $v = 1$ and $v = 2$ vibrational satellites of the $J = 0 \rightarrow 1$ transition of carbon monoxide have been observed in a glow discharge absorption cell. The intensities of these as well as that of the $v = 0$ line are measured as a function of discharge current, pressure, or gas composition, both at room temperature and with liquid nitrogen cooling. For oxygen the $v = 1$ satellite of the 2.5 mm line can be seen and is studied in this way. In the latter case, ozone formation in the discharge may be monitored, and the Doppler width of the $v = 1$ line of $O_{2}$ may be observed as a measure of the translational temperature in the discharge.