The Rotationally-Resolved Absorption Spectrum of Formaldehyde from 6547 to 7051 cm−1

Abstract

Abstract We report new experimental data on the rotationally resolved room temperature absorption spectrum of CH2O in the near infrared (NIR) region between 6804 and 7051 cm –1 (1470–1418 nm). Data have been obtained by cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy and complement the spectrum in the wavelength range 6547–6804 cm –1, obtained using virtually the same experimental set-up and already published in an earlier publication (Staak et al., J. Mol. Spectrosc. 229 (2005) 115–121). Several vibrational combination bands occur in this region and give rise to a congested spectrum and over 4500 lines with cross-sections over 5 · 10 –23 cm2 were observed. Recent experimental studies using NIR absorption spectroscopy for quantifying CH2O in different chemical systems indicate that the absorption cross-sections obtained by Staak et al. may have been overestimated. The results of these experiments are reviewed here and a recommendation for absolute absorption cross sections of CH2O in the NIR range will be given. Absolute absorption cross-sections stated here are corrected by the recommended factor.