Improved Molecular Constants and Frequencies for the CO 2 Laser from New High- J Regular and Hot-Band Frequency Measurements

Abstract

We dedicate this paper to the memory of F. R. Petersen, a pioneer in the field of laser frequency measurements. His meticulous attention to detail in the design and operation of the CO 2 laser and subsequent precise measurement of its transition frequencies led to his outstanding examples of stabilized laser frequency tables ( 1-3), which were the essential foundation for the present work. New frequencies are given for the 12C 16O 2, 13C 16O 2, 12C 18O 2, and 13C 18O 2 regular band laser transitions and for the hot-band transitions of 12 C 16O 2. These frequencies are based on a new least-squares analysis of all the frequency measurements of these four molecular species including new high- J measurements reported here and recent absolute frequency measurements. Fourteen new high- J transitions of the regular 12 C 16O 2 laser bands have been observed, the lasers have been stabilized with sub-Doppler saturated 4.3-μm fluorescence, and their frequencies have been measured. Nine of these transitions fill the gap between the 9.4- and 10.4-μm bands. Saturated 4.3-μm fluorescence also has been used to stabilize the 01 11[11 10,03 10] I and 01 11-[11 10,03 10] II hot-band laser lines. New frequency measurements are reported for 84 hot-band lines, which were also included in the reanalysis of the CO 2 laser transitions.