Methanol absorption of 9.4P (16) CO2 laser radiation

Abstract

A laser-microwave double resonance experiment was performed, in an attempt to confirm a suggested CH30H (methanol) submillimeter laser optical pumping mechanism. Failure to make the confirmation lead to an investigation of the methanol absorption of the P(16) line of the 9.4 micron band of the CO2 molecule. Results indicate that the suggested assignment is very likely wrong. Consideration is given to identifying an alternative pumping mechanism.