Measurements of line strengths in the 2nu1 band of the HO2 radical using laser photolysis/continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy (cw-CRDS)

Absolute absorption cross sections of the absorption spectrum of the 2nu1 band of the HO2 radical in the near-IR region were measured by continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy (cw-CRDS) coupled to laser photolysis in the wavelength range 6604-6696 cm(-1) with a resolution better than 0.003 cm(-1). Absolute absorption cross sections were obtained by measuring the decay of the HO2 self-reaction, and they are given for the 100 most intense lines. The most important absorption feature in this wavelength range was found at 6638.20 cm(-1), exhibiting an absorption cross section of sigma = 2.72 x 10(-19) cm2 at 50 Torr He. Using this absorption line, we obtain a detection limit for the HO2 radical at 50 Torr of 6.5 x 10(10) cm(-3).     

Measurements of extinction by aerosol particles in the near-infrared using continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Cavity ring-down spectroscopy using a fiber-coupled continuous wave distributed feedback laser at a wavelength of 1520 nm has been used to measure extinction of light by samples of nearly monodisperse aerosol particles <1 μm in diameter. A model is tested for the analysis of the sample extinction that is based on the Poisson statistics of the number of particles within the intracavity laser beam: variances of measured extinction are used to derive values of the scattering cross section for size-selected aerosol particles, without need for knowledge of the particle number density or sample length. Experimental parameters that influence the performance of the CRD system and the application and limitations of the statistical model are examined in detail. Determinations are reported of the scattering cross sections for polystyrene spheres (PSSs), sodium chloride, and ammonium sulfate, and, for particles greater than 500 nm in diameter, are shown to be in agreement with the corresponding values calculated using Mie theory or Discrete Dipole Approximation methods. For smaller particles, the experimentally derived values of the scattering cross section are larger than the theoretical predictions, and transmission of a small fraction of larger particles into the cavity is argued to be responsible for this discrepancy. The effects of cubic structure on the determination of optical extinction efficiencies of sodium chloride aerosol particles are examined. Values are reported for the real components of the refractive indices at 1520 nm of PSS, sodium chloride, and ammonium sulfate aerosol particles.     

Measurement of the fourth O-H overtone absorption cross section in acetic acid using cavity ring-down spectroscopy

We report the absolute absorption cross sections of the fourth vibrational O-H (5ν(OH)) overtone in acetic acid using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. For compounds that undergo photodissociation via overtone excitation, such intensity information is required to calculate atmospheric photolysis rates. The fourth vibrational overtone of acetic acid is insufficiently energetic to effect dissociation, but measurement of its cross section provides a model for other overtone transitions that can affect atmospheric photochemistry. Though gas-phase acetic acid exists in equilibrium with its dimer, this work shows that only the monomeric species contributes to the acetic acid overtone spectrum. The absorption of acetic acid monomer peaks at ～615 nm and has a peak cross section of 1.84 × 10(-24) cm(2)·molecule(-1). Between 612 and 620 nm, the integrated cross section for the acetic acid monomer is (5.23 ± 0.73) × 10(-24) cm(2)·nm·molecule(-1) or (1.38 ± 0.19) × 10(-22) cm(2)·molecule(-1)·cm(-1). This is commensurate with the integrated cross section values for the fourth O-H overtone of other species. Theoretical calculations show that there is sufficient energy for hydrogen to transition between the two oxygen atoms, which results in an overtone-induced conformational change.     

Determination of hydrocarbons in water by evanescent wave absorption spectroscopy in the near-infrared region

An home-made EFA (Evanescent Field Absorbance)-sensor has been tested for the determination of hydrocarbons in water. The investigations have been performed both with crude oil emulsions and petrol solutions. Cuvette and evanescent wave spectra of crude oil and petrol in the near-infrared region are presented and discussed. The concentration of aromatic compounds in crude oil can be determined semiquantitatively by the standard addition method. The sorption behaviour of the hydrocarbons in the cladding of the fiberoptic sensor has been investigated and a correlation between the sensor signal and the concentration of the aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion/solution could be shown. The desorption of the enriched molecules after the measurements is also presented. The petrol molecules evaporate in ambient air so that the sensor is easily regenerated. In case of oil measurements the hydrocarbon molecules cannot be removed by rinsing the sensor with clear water or by evaporating them in ambient air. It has to be regenerated by washing it with a high volatile solvent instead.     

Determination of hydrocarbons in water by evanescent wave absorption spectroscopy in the near-infrared region

An home-made EFA (evanescent field absorbance)-sensor has been tested for the determination of hydrocarbons in water. The investigations have been performed both with crude oil emulsions and petrol solutions. Cuvette and evanescent wave spectra of crude oil and petrol in the near-infrared region are presented and discussed. The concentration of aromatic compounds in crude oil can be determined semiquantitatively by the standard addition method. The sorption behaviour of the hydrocarbons in the cladding of the fiberoptic sensor has been investigated and a correlation between the sensor signal and the concentration of the aqueous hydrocarbon emulsion/solution could be shown. The desorption of the enriched molecules after the measurements is also presented. The petrol molecules evaporate in ambient air so that the sensor is easily regenerated. In case of oil measurements the hydrocarbon molecules cannot be removed by rinsing the sensor with clear water or by evaporating them in ambient air. It has to be regenerated by washing it with a high volatile solvent instead.     

Overtone dissociation of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2): absorption cross sections and photolysis products

Band strengths for the second (3nuOH) and third (4nuOH) overtones of the OH stretch vibration of peroxynitric acid, HO2NO2 (PNA) in the gas-phase were measured using Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS). Both OH overtone transitions show diffuse smoothly varying symmetrical absorption profiles without observable rotational structure. Integrated band strengths (base e) at 296 K were determined to be S(3nuOH) = (5.7 +/- 1.1) x 10(-20) and S(4nuOH) = (4.9 +/- 0.9) x 10(-21) cm(2) molecule(-1) cm(-1) with peak cross sections of (8.8 +/- 1.7) x 10(-22) and (7.0 +/- 1.3) x 10(-23) cm(2) molecule(-1) at 10086.0 +/- 0.2 cm(-1) and 13095.8 +/- 0.4 cm(-1), respectively, using PNA concentrations measured on line by Fourier-transform infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The quoted uncertainties are 2sigma (95% confidence level) and include estimated systematic errors in the measurements. OH overtone spectra measured at lower temperature, 231 K, showed a narrowing of the 3nuOH band along with an increase in its peak absorption cross section, but no change in S(3nuOH) to within the precision of the measurement (+/-9%). Measurement of a PNA action spectrum showed that HO2 is produced from second overtone photodissociation. The action spectrum agreed with the CRDS absorption spectra. The PNA cross sections determined in this work for 3nuOH and 4nuOH will increase calculated atmospheric photolysis rates of PNA slightly.     

Br2 molecular elimination in photolysis of (COBr)2 at 248 nm by using cavity ring-down absorption spectroscopy: a photodissociation channel being ignored

A primary dissociation channel of Br(2) elimination is detected following a single-photon absorption of (COBr)(2) at 248 nm by using cavity ring-down absorption spectroscopy. The technique contains two laser beams propagating in a perpendicular configuration. The tunable laser beam along the axis of the ring-down cell probes the Br(2) fragment in the B(3)Π(ou)(+)-X(1)Σ(g)(+) transition. The measurements of laser energy- and pressure-dependence and addition of a Br scavenger are further carried out to rule out the probability of Br(2) contribution from a secondary reaction. By means of spectral simulation, the ratio of nascent vibrational population for v = 0, 1, and 2 levels is evaluated to be 1:(0.65 ± 0.09):(0.34 ± 0.07), corresponding to a Boltzmann vibrational temperature of 893 ± 31 K. The quantum yield of the ground state Br(2) elimination reaction is determined to be 0.11 ± 0.06. With the aid of ab initio potential energy calculations, the pathway of molecular elimination is proposed on the energetic ground state (COBr)(2) via internal conversion. A four-center dissociation mechanism is followed synchronously or sequentially yielding three fragments of Br(2) + 2CO. The resulting Br(2) is anticipated to be vibrationally hot. The measurement of a positive temperature effect supports the proposed mechanism.     

High-resolution absorption cross sections of formaldehyde in the 30,285-32,890 cm(-1) (304-330 nm) spectral region

Absolute room temperature (294 ± 2 K) absorption cross sections for the ?(1)A(2)-X?(1)A(1) electronic transition of formaldehyde have been measured over the spectral range 30,285-32,890 cm(-1) (304-330 nm) using ultraviolet (UV) laser absorption spectroscopy. Accurate high-resolution absorption cross sections are essential for atmospheric monitoring and understanding the photochemistry of this important atmospheric compound. Absorption cross sections were obtained at an instrumental resolution better than 0.09 cm(-1), which is slightly broader than the Doppler width of a rotational line of formaldehyde at 300 K (～0.07 cm(-1)) and so we were able to resolve all but the most closely spaced lines. Comparisons with previous data as well as with computer simulations have been made. Pressure broadening was studied for the collision partners He, O(2), N(2), and H(2)O and the resulting broadening parameters have been measured and increase with the strength of intermolecular interaction between formaldehyde and the collision partner. The pressure broadening coefficient for H(2)O is an order of magnitude larger than the coefficients for O(2) and N(2) and will contribute significantly to spectral line broadening in the lower atmosphere. Spectral data are made available as Supporting Information.     

Thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid) measured by thermogravimetry coupled to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Thermogravimetric (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermal degradation kinetics, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of synthesized glycine–montmorillonite (Gly–MMT) and montmorillonite bound dipeptide (Gly–Gly–MMT) along with pure Na–MMT samples have been performed. TG analysis at the temperature range 25–250 °C showed a mass loss for pure Na–MMT, Gly–MMT and Gly–Gly–MMT of about 8.0%, 4.0% and 2.0%, respectively. DTA curves show the endothermic reaction at 136, 211 and 678 °C in pure Na–MMT whereas Gly–MMT shows the exothermic reaction at 322 and 404 °C and that of Gly–Gly–MMT at 371 °C. The activation energies of the first order thermal degradation reaction were found to be 1.64 and 9.78 kJ mol⁻¹ for Gly–MMT and Gly–Gly–MMT, respectively. FTIR analyses indicate that the intercalated compounds decomposed at the temperature more than 250 °C in Gly–MMT and at 250 °C in Gly–Gly–MMT.     

Measurement of K shell fluorescence cross sections and K shell fluorescence yields for the atomic region 22≤Z≤64 by 59.5 keV photons

A new method has been developed to determine K shell fluorescence cross section and K shell fluorescence yields. This method is based on simultaneous measurement of fluorescence radiation and scattered radiation, thus avoiding problems with measuring the source strength and source-to-detector solid angle. The K shell fluorescence cross section and K shell fluorescence yield for 21 elements in the atomic range 22£Z£64 have been measured by using a Si(Li) detector. The obtained results are compared with the other experimental, theoretical and fit values.     

The protocovalent NO bond: Quantum chemical topology (QCT of ELF and ELI-D) study on the bonding in the nitrous acid HONO and its relevancy to the experiment

Topologically challenging, the protocovalent NO bond, which belongs to a distinct class called charge-shift bonds, has been identified in the HONO (cis, trans) molecules on the basis of topological analysis of the ELF and ELI-D functions obtained from the B3LYP and CASSCF(12,10) calculations. The presence of the protocovalent NO bond is associated with energetically possible dissociation channel: HONO(¹A′) → OH(²π) + NO(²π).     

The Pt2 (1,0) band of System VI in the near infrared by intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy

Intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy has been used to record rotationally resolved electronic spectra of Pt(2) in the near infrared. The metal dimers were created using a 50 mm-long, platinum-lined hollow cathode plasma discharge. The observed transition at 12?937 cm(-1) is identified as the (1,0) band of System VI, with state symmetries Ω = 0 - X Ω = 0.     

Rotationally resolved absorption cross sections of formaldehyde in the 28100-28500 cm(-1) (351-356 nm) spectral region: implications for in situ LIF measurements

The rotationally resolved ultraviolet absorption cross sections for the 2(0)(0)4(1)(0) vibrational band of the A(1)A(2)-X(1)A(1) electronic transition of formaldehyde (HCHO) at an apodized resolution of 0.027 cm(-1) (approximately 0.0003 nm at 352 nm) over the spectral range 28100-28500 cm(-1) (351-356 nm) at 298 and 220 K, using Fourier transform spectroscopy, are first reported here. Accurate rotationally resolved cross sections are important for the development of in situ HCHO laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) instruments and for atmospheric monitoring. Pressure dependence of the cross sections between 75 and 400 Torr at 298 K was explored, and an average pressure broadening coefficient in dry air of 1.8 x 10(-4) cm(-1) Torr(-1) for several isolated lines is reported. Gaseous HCHO was quantitatively introduced into a flow cell by evaporating micron-sized droplets of HCHO solution, using a novel microinjector technique. The condensed-phase concentrations of HCHO were determined by iodometric titrations to an accuracy of <1%. Accuracy of the measured absorption cross sections is estimated to be better than +/-5%. Integrated and differential cross sections over the entire band at low resolution (approximately 1 cm(-1)) obtained with our calibration technique are in excellent agreement with previous measurements. A maximum differential cross section of 5.7 x 10(-19) cm(2) molecule(-1) was observed at high resolution-almost an order of magnitude greater than any previously reported data at low resolution.     

High-precision isotopic ratio measurement system for methane (12CH3D/12CH4,13CH4/12CH4) by using near-infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy

We demonstrate that the absorption spectroscopic method can be applied to a precise deltaD (an index of 12CH3D/12CH4) and delta13C (an index of 13CH4/12CH4) analysis for methane samples of natural isotopic abundance. We chose an appropriate absorption line pair whose absorption coefficients have nearly the same temperature dependences so as to minimize the temperature effect in absorbance ratio measurements. We measured 12CH3D/12CH4 ratio by using near-infrared external cavity diode lasers and a new type multi-pass cell. The deltaD value can be determined from the 12CH3D/12CH4 signal-intensity ratio with a fine correction by taking account of the interference of 13CH4 lines. Similarly, the delta13C value is determined from the 13CH4/12CH4 signal-intensity ratio, which is measured by using distributed-feedback laser and a modified Herriot-type cell and corrected for the abundance of 12CH3D. The precision was +/-0.7 and +/-0.027/1000 for deltaD and delta13C, respectively.     

Quantum wave packet calculation of reaction probabilities,cross sections,and rate constants for the C(1D) + HD reaction

The time‐dependent real wave packet method has been used to study the C(¹D) + HD reaction. The state‐to‐state and state‐to‐all reactive scattering probabilities for a broad range of energies are calculated at zero total angular momentum. The probabilities for J > 0 are estimated from accurately computed J = 0 probabilities by using the J‐shifting approximation. The integral cross sections for a large energy range, and thermal rate constants are calculated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005     

Measurement of cross sections for the formation of 100gRh in natPd(p,x)100m,gRh reactions up to 42.61 MeV

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - We measured the cross sections for the formation of the ground state nucleus 100gRh through natPd(p,x)100m,gRh reactions. The experiment was...     

Use of integrated cavity output spectroscopy for studying gas phase chemistry in a smog chamber: Characterizing the photolysis of methyl nitrite (CH3ONO)

We report on the first demonstration of the study of photo-induced reaction products in a smog chamber by means of wavelength modulated off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (WM-OA-ICOS) at 1.511 μm. The preliminary results of the photolysis of methyl nitrite (CH₃ONO) are presented which demonstrates the ability of our system for the degradation mechanisms studies of atmospheric relevant organic compounds.