Knowledge Bank

In an effort to observe and identity the long-time elusive infrared spectrum of the $HO2+$ ion, we undertook a thorough investigation of an $H2/O2$ glow discharge. A high resolution tunable infrared laser ( color center laser ) spectrometer along with high sensitivity velocity modulation detection was used. An AC glow discharge of 50 mtorr H2, 50 mtorr O2, and 1-10 torr He was studied between $3100-3600cm-1$. The majority of the spectrum can be attributed to the $H3O+$ ion. The hot band, $v2+v3\leftarrow v3$, has been studied along with a complete analysis of the $v3$ $fundamental.1,2$ Upon changing the He pressure from 1 to 10 torr the S/N of the fundamental decreased fourfold while that of the hot band stayed the same. This greatly helped in the identification and assignment of the two bands. The alchemy of the discharge along with the assignment of the spectra will be presented.