MARVEL: measured active rotational-vibrational energy levels

An algorithm is proposed, based principally on an earlier proposition of Flaud and co-workers [Mol. Phys. 32 (1976) 499], that inverts the information contained in uniquely assigned experimental rotational-vibrational transitions in order to obtain measured active rotational-vibrational energy levels (MARVEL). The procedure starts with collecting, critically evaluating, selecting, and compiling all available measured transitions, including assignments and uncertainties, into a single database. Then, spectroscopic networks (SN) are determined which contain all interconnecting rotational-vibrational energy levels supported by the grand database of the selected transitions. Adjustment of the uncertainties of the lines is performed next, with the help of a robust weighting strategy, until a self-consistent set of lines and uncertainties is achieved. Inversion of the transitions through a weighted least-squares-type procedure results in MARVEL energy levels and associated uncertainties. Local sensitivity coefficients could be computed for each energy level. The resulting set of MARVEL levels is called active as when new experimental measurements become available the same evaluation, adjustment, and inversion procedure should be repeated in order to obtain more dependable energy levels and uncertainties. MARVEL is tested on the example of the H₂¹⁷O isotopologue of water and a list of 2736 dependable energy levels, based on 8369 transitions, has been obtained.