Infrared spectra and band strengths of amorphous and crystalline N2O

Abstract

Infrared transmission spectra from 4000 to 400 cm^-1, and associated band strengths and absorption coefficients, are presented for the first time for both amorphous and crystalline N₂O. Changes in the spectra as a function of ice thickness and ice temperature are shown. New measurements of density, refractive index, and specific refraction are reported for amorphous and crystalline N₂O. Comparisons are made to published results, and the most-likely reason for some recent disagreements in the literature is discussed. As with CO₂, its isoelectronic congener, the formation of amorphous N₂O is found to require greater care than the formation of amorphous solids from more-polar molecules.