Interpreting the Microwave Spectra of Diatomic Molecules

Abstract

A brief review of the theory of the rigid rotor and its application to microwave spectroscopy is given. By careful selection of examples, procedures are given for the analysis of successively more complicated spectra, and the theory is extended to the harmonic nonrigid rotor and anharmonic nonrigid rotor when needed. The microwave spectra of carbon monoxide, and of some alkali halides, provide excellent examples for analysis and for student exercises.