FTIR-spectroscopy of molecular clusters in pulsed supersonic slit-jet expansion

A new approach to the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectros copy of molecular clusters in pulsed supersonic jets is developed to the po int where it is competitive with high-sensitivity laser absorption techniqu es for intermediate and large molecular systems. A combination of rapid spe ctral acquisition and of a buffered jet chamber enables the use of intense gas pulses which cover complete interferometer scans. Applications to (N2O) (n), (CH3OH)(n) and (HCl)(n) demonstrate the capabilities of this technique . Investigations of the association of bulky alcohols and of clusters withi n clusters illustrate some ongoing research.