Absorption coefficients of sulfur dioxide microwave rotational lines

New calculations of the absorption coefficients of the rotational transitions of ³²S¹⁶O₂ are given for all energy levels up to J = 50 and frequencies less than 200 GHz. A spectrometer incorporating a semiconfocal Fabry-Perot resonant cavity and operating in the vicinity of 70 GHz is described. The calculated absorption coefficients are compared to measured values obtained with this spectrometer and to existing measurements over the frequency range 26–40 GHz. The results obtained are in general agreement to within 5–10%. A detailed knowledge of the absorption coefficient behavior as a function of frequency is of particular interest in the development of high-sensitivity SO₂ monitors, and in investigations of the kinetics of fast chemical reactions.