Collision Induced Microwave Absorption in N2, CH4, and N2–Ar, N2–CH4 Mixtures at 1.1 and 2.3 cm−1

Abstract

Collision induced microwave absorption is reported in pure N2, N2–Ar, N2–CH4, mixtures, and in pure CH4 in the 35 and 70 GHz regions (1.1 and 2.3 cm−1) at a temperature of 22 °C. The measurements are accomplished using overmoded high Q cavities capable of pressurization of up to 5000 p.s.i.g. The apparatus and method are described. With the high sensitivity attained, the results in pure N2 from 30 → 250 amagat reveal terms in the square and cube of the density from which the relaxation times are calculated. The linear dependence on frequency of the collision induced absorption up to 2.3 cm−1 is established. Higher order dependence on the density is observed in the N2–Ar and N2–CH4 mixtures. Various estimates of the quadrupole moment of N2 are given, making use of earlier results in other frequency regions.