High sensitivity ICLAS of H2O in the region of the second decade (11 520-12 810 cm)

The high resolution absorption spectrum of the H₂¹⁸O isotopologue of water has been recorded by Intracavity Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (ICLAS) with a sensitivity on the order of α_min ∼ 10⁻⁹ cm⁻¹. The 11 520-12 810 cm⁻¹ spectral region corresponding to the 3ν + δ decade of vibrational states, was explored with an ICLAS spectrometer based on a Ti:Sapphire laser. It allowed detecting transitions with an intensity down to 10⁻²⁷ cm/molecule which is about 100 times lower than the weaker line intensities available in the literature, in particular in the HITRAN database.The rovibrational assignment was performed on the basis of the results of variational calculations and allowed for assigning 3659 lines to the H₂¹⁶O, H₂¹⁸O, H₂¹⁷O, HD¹⁶O and HD¹⁸O species, leaving only 1.7% unassigned transitions. A line list including 1712 transitions of H₂¹⁸O has been generated and assigned leading to the determination of 692 rovibrational energy levels belonging to a total of 16 vibrational states, 386 being newly observed. A deviation on the order of 25% has been evidenced for the average intensity values given by HITRAN and the results of variational calculations. Ninety two transitions of the HD¹⁸O isotopologue could also be assigned and the corresponding upper rovibrational levels are given.