Infrared Spectra and Optical Constants of Astronomical Ices: II. Ethane and Ethylene

Abstract

Infrared spectroscopic observations have established the presence of hydrocarbon ices on Pluto and other TNOs, but the abundances of such molecules cannot be deduced without accurate optical constants (n, k) and reference spectra. In this paper we present our recent measurements of near- and mid-infrared optical constants for ethane (C${}_2$H${}_6$) and ethylene (C${}_2$H${}_4$) in multiple ice phases and at multiple temperatures. As in our recent work on acetylene (C${}_2$H${}_2$), we also report new measurements of the index of refraction of each ice at 670 nm. Comparisons are made to earlier work where possible, and electronic versions of our new results are made available.

26 pages, 3 tables, 10 figures. For associated data sets, see http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/691/cosmicice/constants.html

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