Analysis of high resolution fourier transform and diode laser spectra of the ν9 band of ethane

Fourier transform measurements with an apodized apparatus function up to 0.002 cm⁻¹ are reported for the ν₉ band (ρ_u) of ethane in the 12-μm region, together with an integrated band strength obtained from intensity measurements on selected Q-branch lines recorded using a diode laser spectrometer. Since the ν₉ band falls in an atmospheric window, these data may be useful in studies of the ethane concentration in the atmosphere of Jupiter and other outer planets. Torsional splittings in the ν₉ level caused by a higher-order Coriolis interaction with the close lying 3ν₄ state (a_1u) have been analyzed in a global least squares fit of 2206 Fourier transform lines and 58 diode splittings to a molecular Hamiltonian containing 20 parameters, with a standard deviation of 0.35 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹. Rotational levels of one component of the torsionally split 3ν₄ state cross interacting rotational levels of the ν₉ state for K = 17, and the spectrum is followed to K = 19 on the ^pP subband side to permit inclusion of ν₉ levels beyond this crossing. No transitions to 3ν₄ levels were observed. The theoretical treatment presented here makes use of standard symmetric top formalism and of the G₃₆^† double-group formalism for ethane.