Absolute photoabsorption cross sections for H2O and D2O from λ 180–790 Å

Absolute photoabsorption cross sections for H₂O and D₂O have been measured photoelectrically from λλ 180 to 790 Å using synchrotron radiation. The cross sections increase smoothly with wavelength to ～λ610 Å, with both H₂O and D₂O displaying a broad absorption band extending above a nearly linear background from λλ 400 to 490 Å. The continuum has a maximum of ～ 22.5 Mb at λ 640 Å. Above λ 615 Å, superimposed on the continuum, a diffuse structure appears which is similar to the vibrational structure of the ²B₂ states of H₂O⁺ and D₂O⁺ as observed in photoelectron spectra. The structure is believed to arise from excitation of a 1b₂ electron to the vibrational levels of a Rydberg orbital with n¹ ≈ 2.64.