Millimeter And Submillimeter Spectroscopic Studies Of Ho3

HO$_3$ is a radical species of atmospheric and astrophysical chemical importance. While the microwave spectrum of this radical is known, its rotational spectrum has not been measured at higher frequencies. Studies of HO$_3$ in the millimeter and submillimeter ranges would provide the information needed to further refine its structural determination, as well as provide additional spectroscopic guidance for observational searches. In order to study the rotational spectrum of HO$_3$ at higher frequencies, we have coupled a pulsed supersonic expansion discharge source with a multipass direct absorption millimeter and submillimeter spectrometer. Initial experiments focused on the optimization of the HO$_2$ radical, which has a known rotational spectrum and is the intermediate species in the production of HO$_3$. Searches for lines of HO$_3$ are currently underway. The spectrometer design, results of the HO$_2$ studies, and initial results for HO$_3$ will be presented