Precise Measurement of the Microwave Absorption Frequencies of the Oxygen Molecule and the Velocity of Light

Abstract

Ten microwave absorption frequencies of the oxygen molecule in the 60-kMc/sec region have been measured with an accuracy of about 10 kc/sec. The result is interpreted by successfully refining the existing theory. Comparing the resultant value of the rotational constant ${B}_{0}$ with the value obtained in ultraviolet spectra, the velocity of light is calculated to be 299 773\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}12 km/sec.