Absorption of formaldehyde (H2CO) in the A1A2 <-- X1A1 band system at elevated temperatures and pressures.

The electronic A1A2 <-- X1A1 absorption spectra of formaldehyde vapour were studied at temperatures varying from 423 to 770 K with variable pressures from less than 0.1 to 1 MPa. Broadband vibronic and partially rotationally resolved 4(0)(1) rovibronic spectra of formaldehyde showed considerable sensitivity to temperature. The high resolution spectra showed collision-induced broadening as the pressure was increased. The results show that the absorption efficiency of the laser radiation from the third harmonic of Nd:YAG lasers is sensitive to the spectral properties of the laser, such as line position and shape. Promising results were obtained from the comparison between theoretical and measured absorption spectra.