Helium and argon line broadening in the ν2 band of CH4

The spectra of the gaseous mixtures CH₄-He and CH₄-Ar were obtained in the spectral region 1400-1750 cm⁻¹ with a resolution up to 0.003 cm⁻¹. Helium and argon pressure broadenings for the vibration-rotation lines of the ν₂ band of CH₄ have been estimated at room temperature for some lines in the P, Q, and R branches. These values were also calculated using the theoretical approach developed by Robert and Bonamy, extended to the case of tetrahedral molecules. The helium data have been found to be in a satisfactory agreement whereas a divergence of calculated and measured broadening coefficients has been evidenced in the case of argon. Simulations of the ν₂ band shapes of methane perturbed by helium have also been performed.