Opacity of the Atmosphere at Millimeter Wavelengths, Final Technical Report No. FTR-1

Authors

University of Alabama Research Institute

Document Type

Report

Abstract

The theory of absorption by molecular oxygen in the wavelength region between 1 and 10 millimeters is summarized, and experimental methods of measuring atmospheric absorption are discussed. It is concluded that the agreement between experiment and theory is in general satisfactory. Short-period fluctuations in atmospheric absorption, possibly correlated with variations in the earth's magnetic field or other external factors, have been suspected. The probable effects of time-varying external fields, Zeeman splitting, and statistical orientations of the oxygen molecule in the magnetic field are analyzed. None of these factors appear to explain the suspected variations. A limited experimental program is included in the study.

Publication Date

1-1-1962

Comments

Prepared under Contract DA-01-009-ORD-952 for U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Approved by F.H. Mitchell, Interim Director.

Recommended Citation

University of Alabama Research Institute, "Opacity of the Atmosphere at Millimeter Wavelengths, Final Technical Report No. FTR-1" (1962). Research Institute. 1.
https://louis.uah.edu/research-reports/1