Infrared Spectral Absorption Coefficients for Water Vapor

An experimental program is described in which the spectral absorption coefficients of H2O were determined in the 1–8-µ spectral range at temperatures from 575 to 1250 K, at path lengths up to 1 m, and at pressures up to 1 atm. Foreign-gas broadening of H2O by H2, CO, and CO2 was measured over portions of the above ranges. Experimental details, such as the 1-m grating spectrometer, absorption cells, and data-collection procedures are presented, along with a description of the computerized data-reduction program. Samples of the spectra obtained are shown.