Rotational Structure in Molecular Infrared Spectra

Recent advances in infrared molecular spectroscopy have resulted in sophisticated theoretical and laboratory methods that are difficult to grasp without a solid understanding of the basic principles and underlying theory of vibration-rotation absorption spectroscopy. Rotational Structure in Molecular Infrared Spectra fills the gap between these recent, complex topics and the most elementary methods in the field of rotational structure in the infrared spectra of gaseous molecules. There is an increasing need for people with the skills and knowledge to interpret vibration-rotation spectra in many scientific disciplines, including applications in atmospheric and planetary research. Consequently, the basic principles of vibration-rotation absorption spectroscopy are addressed for contemporary applications. In addition to covering operational quantum mechanical methods, spherical tensor algebra, and group theoretical methods applied to molecular symmetry, attention is also given to phase conventions and their effects on the values of matrix elements. Designed for researchers and PhD students involved in the interpretation of vibration-rotation spectra, the book intentionally separates basic theoretical arguments (in the appendices), allowing readers who are mainly concerned with applications to skip the principles while at the same time providing a sound theoretical basis for readers who are looking for more foundational information.

Reviews basic theory and contemporary methods of vibration rotation absorption spectroscopy, including operational quantum mechanical methods, spherical tensor algebra, and group theoretical methods applied to molecular symmetryCovers sophisticated mathematical topics in simple, easy-to-read languageDiscusses methods and applications separately from basic theoretical arguments for quick reference

1. The Vibration-Rotation Problem 2. Interaction of Matter and Light 3. Molecular Symmetry and Spectroscopy 4. Symmetry of Wavefunctions in Vibration-Rotation Spectroscopy 5. Nuclear Spin Statistical Weights 6. Expansion and Transformations of the Vibration-Rotation Hamiltonian 7. Effects of Centrifugal Distortions 8. Spectra of Symmetric Top Molecules 9. Spectra of Asymmetric Top Molecules 10. Spectra of Spherical Top Molecules 11. Floppy Molecules Appendix 1: Phases of Wavefunctions Appendix 2: Eigenfunctions of Commuting Operators Appendix 3: Coupling of Angular Momenta Appendix 4: Angular Momentum Matrix Elements Appendix 5: The Full Rotation Group and Irreducible Spherical Tensors Appendix 6: Direction Cosine Operators Appendix 7: Harmonic Oscillators Appendix 8: Vibrational Normal Modes and Coriolis Coefficients Appendix 9: Contact Transformation and Perturbation Methods