Abstract

Chlorine oxide, formed in the catalytic cycle is an important monitor of the conversion of ozone to O₂ by free chlorine in the stratosphere. Current models predict mixing ratios for CℓO peaking at a value < 1:10⁹ near 35 km altitude (1), and model profiles give an integrated column density towards the zenith of < 2.5 × 10¹⁴ cm^-2, making radiometric detection of emission lines extremely difficult through the intervening atmosphere. Heretofore, experimental detection has relied on balloon-born in-situ measurements (2) or on attempts at remote mm-wave (3) or IR detection (4) from high-flying aircraft or balloon platforms. We have developed and successfully used a ground-based mm-wave spectrometer employing some novel features to detect the J = 11/2 → 9/2 rotational transition of CℓO in emission at 204.352 GHz. Our observations were conducted near Amherst, Mass, (elevation ~ 300 m) above sea level) during the period mid-January to mid-April 1980.

© 1980 Optical Society of America