Malathy Venkataraman of The College of William and Mary is supported by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program and the India/South Asia Program to perform high resolution infrared spectroscopic studies of molecules contributing to the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion. This project is a collaborative effort between Dr. Venkataraman and Dr. D'Cunha of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (B.A.R.C.), Bombay, India. Infrared spectra of carbonyl fluoride and halon-1301 will be taken using the high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and analyzed using computer programs developed at B.A. R. C. Low temperature diode laser absorption spectra of halon-1301 will be taken at the NASA Langley Research Center in order to obtain more complete information on its molecular parameters. This spectroscopic data will be valuable in pollution monitoring and identification of spectral signatures in upper atmospheric research. Chlorofluorocarbons, such as freons and halons, are known to be responsible for much of the ozone depletion problem. The atmospheric concentrations of these molecules are currently estimated from product analysis. This research will provide information which can be used to directly monitor the concentrations of these pollutants in the atmosphere.
