Knowledge Bank

New diode laser and interferometric spectra have made possible a refined analysis of the $\nu 9$ band of $C2H6$. This band has become the principle tool for modeling ethane in planetary atmospheres. The interferometric data was recorded on the McMath interferometer at Kitt Peak National Observatory at a resolution of $0.005cm-1$. This spectrum has allowed a wide extension of the line assignments and greatly improved the frequency measurements from those of recently reported work $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">1</mrow>}$. Diode laser measurements have also been made of selected portions of the band in order to determine absolute line strengths for use in planetary and earth atmospheres studies. Splittings which may be attributed to torsional effects have also been observed in the diode laser spectra.