Pressure Broadening of Linear Molecules. I

Abstract

A microwave spectroscope, especially designed for studies of the temperature dependence of microwave line widths is described. With this spectroscope, the line width of the J=1—2 OCS line has been measured over a temperature range from 195°K to 476°K. Over this range, the line width varies as T-0.9. An interpretation in terms of intermolecular forces is deferred, pending work with other linear molecules and other transitions.