Britannica AI Icon

Stark-modulated spectrometer

instrument

Quick Summary

A Stark-modulated spectrometer is a type of instrument used in microwave spectroscopy. This technique involves passing microwave radiation through a gaseous sample contained within a waveguide. To enhance sensitivity, a high-voltage square wave is applied across the sample, modulating the signal. This method is used to observe the rotational spectra of molecules that possess a permanent electric dipole moment. The Stark effect itself refers to the splitting of spectral lines when atoms or molecules are exposed to a strong electric field, a phenomenon analogous to the Zeeman effect in magnetic fields.

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.