view Abstract Citations (6) References Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The spectrum of solid oxygen a few degrees above absolute zero. McKellar, A. ; Welsh, H. L. ; Stephenson, F. C. Abstract The rather rough agreement in wave length between the two strongest unidentified diffuse interstellar lines (XX6284 and 5780) and absorption bands of high-pressure gaseous, liquid and solid oxygen prompted us to investigate the absorption spectrum of solid oxygen down to the temperature of liquid helium (4.20K). The spectral region X4000 to X6700 was covered. With absorbing paths of the order of millimeters, bands and diffuse lines were photographed, characteristic of the three modifications of solid oxygen (a-oxygen up to 240K, ~-oxygen between 240 and 430K, and ~-oxygen from 430K to the melting point, ~~0K). Spectra of the three modifications differed in diffuseness and slightly in wave length, as reported in 1935 by Prikhotko, Ruhemann and Federitenko. The strongest absorption was in a violet-degraded sequence of bands with heads near XX6300, 5780, 5330, and 4940. Several line-like absorptions occurred between X4459 and X4806. Three of the seven diffuse interstellar lines (XX6284, 5780, and 4760) occur in regions of absorption by solid oxygen. Our knowledge of the role played by the structure of the modifications of solid oxygen in the production of the spectrum is not sufficiently complete nor are the wave length coincidences exact enough to warrant identification of the three interstellar lines with solid oxygen, but neither is the possible identification ruled out. Further experimental work on low-temperature solids is advocated; particularly on a material recently discovered by Giguerre and thought to be HO2. Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, Victoria, B. C., and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: 1955 DOI: 10.1086/107155 Bibcode: 1955AJ.....60R.170M full text sources ADS |