A study of the infrared absorption spectra of nitric acid vapour

Abstract

Nitric Acid is an important molecule in the stratosphere and is involved in photochemical reactions with ozone and the freons. Measurements of nitric acid have been made using balloon borne infrared spectrometers. Laboratory measurements at room and stratospheric temperatures are required to obtain the molecular parameters needed to reduce the balloon measurements and obtain absolute nitric acid amounts. This project proceeds to carry out the necessary measurements in an attempt to arrive at the integrated band intensity for nitric acid.