History and future of the molecular spectroscopic databases

Abstract

A brief history and review of the development of some molecular spectroscopic databases is presented. Such databases are compilations of spectroscopic parameters whose principal purpose is to provide the necessary molecular absorption input for transmission and radiance codes. Remote sensing of the terrestrial atmosphere has advanced significantly in recent years, and this has placed greater demands on the compilations in terms of accuracy, additional species, and spectral coverage. This paper discusses current pressing issues, such as the deficiencies in line positions, intensities, and line shape, as well as the directions of future enhancements.