Line coupling and line mixing effects on calculated widths of symmetric-top molecules with the k-degeneracy: A theoretical study of N2-, O2-, and air-broadened lines of CH3I

Abstract

Calculations of the N2-, O2-, and air-broadened widths, together with their temperature dependence exponents have been made for transitions of CH3I in the ν5 and ν6 bands. The calculations are based on a semi-classical line shape formalism developed by the current authors through modifying and refining the Robert-Bonamy formalism. In recent years, we have applied this formalism for linear molecules, symmetric-top molecules with inversion symmetry, and asymmetric-top molecules. For symmetric-top molecules with the k degeneracy such as CH3I, the formalism has a new feature. In this case, one should consider each of the CH3I transitions labeled by ki or f ≠ 0 as a doublet. Then, one needs to consider the effects of the line mixing process between these two components. Comparisons of our theoretical predictions with some data available demonstrate a very reasonable agreement. Finally we propose new experiments at higher perturber pressures that would enable one to check the theoretically calculated relaxation matrices and to extend the analysis to the inter-doublet mixing effects.