Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physics

Program/Concentration

Physics

Committee Director

Peter Bernath

Committee Member

Charles Sukenik

Committee Member

Colm Whelan

Committee Member

Craig Bayse

Committee Member

Balša Terzić

Abstract

Planetary atmospheres are frequently studied using a number of spectroscopic methods. One of these is observing spectra to analyze what molecules are present or chemical reactions may be taking place. To this end, we have produced a line list of the electronic a1Δ−X3Σ− and b1Σ+−X3Σ− transitions of SO. Additionally, a line list pure rovibrational transitions of the a1Δ and X3Σ− states were produced, but lacked the necessary experimental data for the b1Σ+ state. These line lists can be used in further studies, such as for identifying SO abundances on Io, a moon of Jupiter. Cross-section data of cyclopentane as well as collision-induced absorption data of N2-N2, CH4-CH4, and N2-CH4 were taken using a Fourier transform spectrometer, for use in further studies modeling organic molecules in the atmosphere of Titan, a moon of Saturn. Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) satellite data was analyzed to produce an atlas of clouds and aerosols for qualitative identification in spectra. Volcanic ash was fitted using Mie scattering calculations, experimental optical constants, and real ACE observations using a bimodal lognormal size distribution. Doppler shifts in ACE data can be used to derive line-of-sight winds, useful in mapping upper atmospheric motion. This wind data was validated against other experimental observations, showing a small shift in ACE measurements.

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In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

DOI

10.25777/p66x-9k65

ISBN

9798280747463

ORCID

0000-0001-6363-8499

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