Infrared heterodyne spectroscopy of astronomical and laboratory sources at 8.5 microns
It is pointed out that the first successful infrared heterodyne spectrometer featuring semituneable semiconductor diode lasers was constructed and used near 8.5 micrometers to make laboratory measurements of line profiles in nitrous oxide and to detect thermal emission from Mars and from the moon. Questions of instrument design are discussed along with the significance of the results obtained in the investigation.