Millimeter and submillimeter wave absorption by atmospheric pollutants and constituents

Calculated absorption coefficients and rotational transition frequencies ara given for a number of polar molecules of interest to pollution and energy research. The results, which are presented in graphical form for microwave frequencies up to 1400 GHz, illustrate the increased absorption line intensities occurring in the submillimeter region. For most species, these absorption coefficients attain their maximum values in this region. Included in the calculations are SO₂, H₂CO, O₃, H₂O, H₂S, OCS, CO, NO, OH, SO, NH₃, and CS. A discussion of the techniques currently available for detection in the submillimeter region of these species is also given.