Knowledge Bank

The spectrum of the $1710cm-1$ band ($\nu 2$) and the $850cm-1$ band ($\nu 5$) of nitric acid ($HNO3$) has been measured using a tunable diode laser. Both bands have been analyzed to obtain rovibrational constants suitable for calculating a theoretical spectrum. Comparisons will be made between calculated and observed spectra. The B-type band $\nu 2$ is surprisingly free of any evidence of perturbations. The $1690cm-1$ band ($\nu 2$) of trans-nitrous acid ($HNO2$) has also been measured with a high resolution grating spectrometer as well as with a tunable diode laser. The band has been analyzed and evidence for weak perturbations in this band will be discussed. Results will also be presented on intensity and pressure broadening measurements made on some of these bands.