Absorption Line Width in the Infrared Spectrum of the Ammonia Molecule

Abstract

The half-width of the 17.103-micron absorption line of the ammonia molecule (NH3) has been determined by direct observation of line contour with slits of spectral width 0.10 cm−1 and with numerical correction for the influence of finite slit width. An upper limit for the NH3 absorption coefficient halfwidth at half-height (at a pressure of 30 cm Hg) is 0.10 cm−1.