PRESSURE BROADENING AND LINE SHIFT MEASUREMENTS OF CARBON-MONOXIDE INCOLLISION WITH HELIUM FROM 1 TO 600 K

Pressure broadening and line shift parameters for the 1-0 and 2-1 rota tional transitions of carbon monoxide in collision with helium have be en measured between 1 and 600 K. Measurements below 30 K were made usi ng the collisional cooling technique, while measurements at higher tem peratures were made in an equilibrium cell. The experimental apparatus and techniques employed in the study are described. Pressure broadeni ng and line shift cross sections are compared with theoretical predict ions based on the best available potential energy surface, and differe nces between theoretical predictions and the experimental results are discussed. Potential sources of systematic experimental error are exam ined as a possible origin of these differences. (C) 1996 American Inst itute of Physics.