A line tunable deuterium fluoride laser was used to measure the pressure dependence of the water vapor continuum absorption at 25 degree C in the 3.5-4.0- μm spectral region. From measurements of the absorption of 14.3 Torr od deuterium depleted water vapor buffered by several air-broadening pressures, an unexpectedly small foreign-to-self-broadening coefficient of 0.011 with a factor of 2 uncertainty as well as an unusually strong self-contribution for the water vapor continuum absorption were observed. These measurements can be used to infer contributions to the water vapor continuum in the 3-5-μm window from both far wing and aggregate-water-molecule type absorptions.
Founded in 1916, the Optical Society of America (OSA) was organized to increase and diffuse the knowledge of optics, pure and applied; to promote the common interests of investigators of optical problems, of designers and of users of optical apparatus of all kinds; and to encourage cooperation among them. The purposes of the Society are scientific, technical and educational.
The Optical Society of America brings together optics and photonics scientists, engineers, educators, and business leaders. OSA's membership totals 15,500 individuals from over 95 countries. Approximately 47% of the Society's members reside outside the United States.
