Absorption spectra of deuterated water at DF laser wavelengths

Absorption coefficients for deuterated water have been measured at twenty-two deuterium fluoride (DF) laser wavelengths and presented for atmospheric conditions classified as midlatitude-summer (14.3 T water vapor, standard temperature, and pressure). The HDO vapor was produced from a liquid mixture of H(2)O and D(2)O. The proportions of the resulting equilibrium mixture involving these constituents and HDO were calculated using previously measured constants and produced strong HDO absorption at the 3.5-4.1-microm DF laser wavelengths relative to those of the H(2)O and D(2)O vapors. Predicted and measured pressure dependencies at constant mixing ratios are compared for several laser wavelengths having strong HDO absorption. Absorption coefficients are in fairly close agreement with those of the current Air Force Geophysical Laboratory line-by-line model for standard temperature and pressure conditions. At lower total pressures, the comparison is less satisfactory and suggests inaccurate line parameters in the predictive data base.