Knowledge Bank

The authors have constructed an infrared grating spectrometer capable of a spectral resolution exceeding 1/10 $cm-1$ in the 10 micron region. The resolution and signal-to-noise ratio make it possible to locate the centers of unblended lines to within several thousandths of a wave number. A two detector calibration procedure has been developed for use with very slow scanning rates. The unknown spectrum and the standard absorption lines are observed simultaneously in different echelle orders. Order sorting is accomplished by means of a prism system after the exit slit-Eighth, ninth and tenth orders of the fundamental CO band have so far provided standards for all spectra measured. Optical and mechanical methods will be described and limitations to the method will be discussed.