Microwave Rotational Spectrometry in the Analysis of Trace Atmospheric Constituents

Abstract

For several years Microwave Rotational Spectrometry (M.R.S.) has(1,2) shown promise of becoming a powerful analytic method for polar gases. The particular features of interest in M.R.S. are the very high specificity and linearity of response over a wide dynamic range. Because of the high specificity, it is possible to measure the concentrations of several gases by the same technique, in the same instrument, with a single sample. For example one can detect and quantify any one of many sulfur containing molecules (such as OCS, SO2, H2S, CH3SH, etc.) without regard to interferences. The wide range linear response provides an ease of calibration not found with most other techniques.