Abstract
Using a Froome-type plasma-metal junction harmonic generator, high resolution transmission measurements have been made on the atmosphere in the wavelength range 0.5–3.0 mm. Theoretical spectra have been computed for submillimetre-millimetre wavelength atmospheric absorption due to water vapour using the kinetic equation form for the line shape. Measurements were made on the basic parameters of the main water vapour absorption lines occurring in the wavelength range 0.65–3.0 mm. The pure water vapour line width parameters are found to be constant for the three main absorption lines in this range and equal to 0.55 ± 0.05 cm −1. The water vapour-nitrogen line width parameter for the 1.64 mm wavelength line is measured to be 16 per cent. larger than theory having a value of 0.111 ± 0.005 cm −1 and is constant over a range of pressures. Comparison between theory and observation for the absorption in two submillimetre wave-length windows strongly favours the kinetic equation form of the line shape rather than the more usual Lorentz shape.
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