Abstract
Abstract Laboratory results of the optical properties of vapor-deposited water ice, specifically the refractive index and extinction coefficient, are available mainly for a selective set of wavelengths and a limited number of deposition temperatures. Experimental limitations are the main reason for the lack of broadband data, which is unfortunate as these quantities are needed to interpret and predict astronomical and planetary observations. The goal of this work is to address these lacking data, using an experimental broadband method that is capable of rapidly providing reliable water ice data across the entire UV–visible range. This approach combines the simultaneous use of a monochromatic HeNe laser and a broadband Xe-arc lamp to record interference fringes of water ice during deposition at astronomically relevant ice temperatures. The ice thickness is typically more than 20 μm. Analyzing the period and intensity patterns combining both the monochromatic and broadband interference patterns allows the determination of the wavelength-dependent refractive index and extinction coefficient. We present accurate refractive index and extinction coefficient graphs for wavelengths between 250 and 750 nm and ices deposited between 30 and 160 K. From our data, we find a possible structural change in the ice in the 110–130 K region that has not been reported before. We also discuss that the data presented in this paper can be used to interpret astronomical observations of icy surfaces.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.