Direct determination of the Boltzmann constant by an optical method

We have recorded the Doppler profile of a well-isolated rovibrational line in the nu(2) band of (14)NH(3). Ammonia gas was placed in an absorption cell thermalized by a water-ice bath. By extrapolating to zero pressure, we have deduced the Doppler width which gives a first measurement of the Boltzma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2007-06, Vol.98 (25), p.250801-250801, Article 250801
Main Authors: Daussy, C, Guinet, M, Amy-Klein, A, Djerroud, K, Hermier, Y, Briaudeau, S, Bordé, Ch J, Chardonnet, C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ABSORPTION
AMMONIA
CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS
ICE
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
NITROGEN 14
WATER
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Summary:We have recorded the Doppler profile of a well-isolated rovibrational line in the nu(2) band of (14)NH(3). Ammonia gas was placed in an absorption cell thermalized by a water-ice bath. By extrapolating to zero pressure, we have deduced the Doppler width which gives a first measurement of the Boltzmann constant k(B) by laser spectroscopy. A relative uncertainty of 2 x 10(-4) has been obtained. The present determination should be significantly improved in the near future and contribute to a new definition of the kelvin.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.98.250801