Acetonitrile (CH 3CN) infrared absorption cross sections in the 3 μm region

• Published in: Journal of quantitative spectroscopy & radiative transfer 2011-08, Vol.112 (12), p.1961-1966
• Main Authors: Allen, Nicholas D.C., Harrison, Jeremy J., Bernath, Peter F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acetonitrile; Atmospheric science; High resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy; Infrared absorption cross sections; Remote sensing
• ISSN: 0022-4073; 1879-1352
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2011.04.001

High resolution infrared absorption cross sections of acetonitrile have been determined from spectra recorded in the 3 μm spectral region using a Bruker IFS 125 HR Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and a multipass White cell. The eleven synthetic air-broadened acetonitrile spectra were recorded at a resolution of 0.015 cm −1 (calculated as 0.9/MOPD (Maximum Optical Path Difference), the Bruker definition of resolution) over a range of different temperatures and pressures that are representative of conditions in the Earth's atmosphere (50–760 Torr and 207–296 K). Intensities were calibrated using infrared spectra recorded at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). These new cross sections will enable satellite retrievals of acetonitrile in the 3 μm region from atmospheric spectra recorded by satellite instruments, such as the ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment)-FTS. ► Infrared absorption cross sections for acetonitrile have been measured at 3 μm. ► Spectra recorded at temperatures and pressures representative of the atmosphere. ► Intensities were calibrated using spectra recorded by the PNNL.