Experimental absolute intensities of the 4ν9 and 5ν9 O–H stretching overtones of H2SO4

This work uses cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure two high vibrational overtones (4ν9 and 5ν9) of the O–H stretch in sulfuric acid. The frequencies, bandwidths, and intensities are obtained for these previously unobserved transitions. The atmospheric J-values for the overtone-induced photodissociation are calculated using the experimental cross-sections. Accurate J-values are essential for understanding the formation of the springtime polar sulfate layer by overtone-induced dehydration of H2SO4. The results are compared to previous experimental and theoretical studies of sulfuric acid.