The combination of a VUV Fourier-transform spectrometer and synchrotron radiation

Abstract

Current research on the Earth’s upper atmosphere requires molecular parameters of unprecedented detail and accuracy. For example, state-of-the-art models of the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) absorbing properties of the atmosphere call for absorption cross sections with details on the scale of the Doppler linewidths. As a consequence, spectroscopic data at resolving powers of the order of 106 are needed. Current particular needs are for ultra-high-resolution absorption cross-section data for some bands of NO and O2 in the 170–185 nm spectral region. To meet these requirements, an existing, portable, VUV Fourier-transform (FT) spectrometer will be moved to a synchrotron-radiation facility (Photon Factory, KEK, Japan) and VUV photoabsorption cross sections of NO and O2 will be measured. It has been demonstrated so far with emission line sources that the FT spectrometer will perform to ≤139 nm. Extension of work on absorption measurements to shorter wavelengths and with ultrahigh resolution requires an improved light source. Synchrotron radiation from a storage ring facility is the best alternative.