ATMS 749, THE WATER TRAGEDY

Below you will see the infrared spectrum of water's complex refractive index as measured by 4 different groups. Notice how the real part of refractive index varies fairly dramatically at some wavenumbers, and that the imaginary part is fairly similar. The infrared spectral properties of water clouds depend strongly on the complex refractive index. Each group apparently turns the Kramers Kroenig crank a little differently in deriving the real part from the measured imaginary part, perhaps explaining the variation. Or perhaps we all drink from a different cup?

Real part of the refractive index of water as determined by 4 different groups.

Imaginary part of the refractive index of water as determined by the 4 different groups defined in the real part figure. Note the similarity.

Return to the radiation sites for ATMS 749.