High resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using a high temperature argon arc source

Application of a high temperature wall-stabilized argon arc source (HTAAS) for high resolution near- and mid-infrared Fourier transform infrared spect roscopy (FTIR) has been investigated. Spectra of N2O, NH3 and the complex O C-HCl were recorded at maximum apodized instrumental resolution (0.004 cm(- 1)). The signal to noise (S/N) ratio of these molecular absorption transiti ons were compared with corresponding spectra recorded using a 1520(30) K gl obar source. At 7.6 mum, recorded (N2O)-N-14-O-16 transitions are consisten t with a HTAAS at approximately 10,000 K and an enhancement of 12.6 in reco rded S/N ratios with respect to the latter globar source. Such results demo nstrate a significantly enhanced performance for specific FTIR applications such as high resolution static gas phase spectroscopy and molecular spectr oscopy in supersonic jet expansions, and potentially for infrared microscop y. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.