Gas phase molecular spectroscopy is a powerful tool for obtaining information on the geometry and internal structure of isolated molecules as well as on the interactions that they undergo. It enables the study of fundamental parameters and processes and is also used for the sounding of gas media through optical techniques. It has been facing always renewed challenges, due to the considerable improvement of experimental techniques and the increasing demand for accuracy and scope of remote sensing applications.
In practice, the radiating molecule is usually not isolated but diluted in a mixture at significant total pressure. The collisions among the molecules composing the gas can have a large influence on the spectral shape, affecting all wavelength regions through various mechanisms. These must be taken into account for the correct analysis and prediction of the resulting spectra.
This book reviews our current experimental and theoretical knowledge and the practical consequences of collisional effects on molecular spectral shapes in neutral gases. General expressions are first given. They are formal of difficult use for practical calculations often but enable discussion of the approximations leading to simplified situations. The first case examined is that of isolated transitions, with the usual pressure broadening and shifting but also refined effects due to speed dependence and collision-induced velocity changes. Collisional line-mixing, which invalidates the notion of isolated transitions and has spectral consequences when lines are closely spaced, is then discussed within the impact approximation. Regions where the contributions of many distant lines overlap, such as troughsbetween transitions and band wings, are considered next. For a description of these far wings the finite duration of collisions and concomitant breakdown of the impact approximation must be taken into account. Finally, for long paths or elevated pressures, the dipole or polarizability induced by intermolecular interactions can make significant contributions. Specific models for the description of these collision induced absorption and light scattering processes are presented.
The above mentioned topics are reviewed and discussed from a threefold point of view: the various models, the available data, and the consequences for applications including heat transfer, remote sensing and optical sounding. The extensive bibliography and discussion of some remaining problems complete the text.
- State of the art on the subject
- A bibliography of nearly 1000 references
- Tools for practical calculations
- Consequences for other scientific fields
- Numerous illustrative examples
- Fulfilling a need since there is no equivalent monograph on the subject

Gas phase molecular spectroscopy is a powerful tool for obtaining information on the geometry and internal structure of isolated molecules and their interactions with others. It enables the understanding and description, through measurements and modeling, of the influence of pressure on light absorption, emission, and scattering by gas molecules, which must be taken into account for the correct analysis and prediction of the resulting spectra. Collisional Effects on Molecular Spectra: Laboratory Experiments and Models, Consequences for Applications, Second Edition provides an updated review of current experimental techniques, theoretical knowledge, and practical applications. After an introduction to collisional effects on molecular spectra, the book moves on by taking a threefold approach: it highlights key models, reviews available data, and discusses the consequences for applications. These include areas such as heat transfer, remote sensing, optical sounding, metrology, probing of gas media, and climate predictions. This second edition also contains, with respect to the first one, significant amounts of new information, including 23 figures, 8 tables, and around 700 references. Drawing on the extensive experience of its expert authors, Collisional Effects on Molecular Spectra: Laboratory Experiments and Models, Consequences for Applications, Second Edition, is a valuable guide for all those involved with sourcing, researching, interpreting, or applying gas phase molecular spectroscopy techniques across a range of fields.