Mechanism of absorption of λ = 10.6 μ laser radiation by atmospheric water vapor

A comparison was made of the results of measurements of the continuous attenuation in the 8–12 μ atmospheric "window" under natural conditions with the results of laboratory measurements of the attenuation of CO₂ laser radiation by pure water vapor. The results of the laboratory experiments converted to the thickness of the whole atmosphere were in good agreement with the results of measurements under natural conditions. A considerable contribution of the water vapor dimers to atmospheric absorption was confirmed.