Vibronic spectroscopy of unsaturated transition metal complexes: CrC2H, CrCH3, and NiCH3

Vibronically resolved resonant two-photon ionization and dispersed fluorescence spectra of the organometallic radicals CrC(2)H, CrCH(3), and NiCH(3) are reported in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions. For CrC(2)H, a complicated vibronic spectrum is found in the 11 100-13 300 cm(-1) region, with a prominent vibrational progression having omega(e) (')=426.52+/-0.84 cm(-1), omega(e) (')x(e) (')=0.74+/-0.13 cm(-1). Dispersed fluorescence reveals a v(")=1 level of the ground state with DeltaG(1/2) (")=470+/-20 cm(-1). These vibrational frequencies undoubtedly pertain to the Cr-C(2)H stretching mode. It is suggested that the spectrum corresponds to the A (6)Sigma(+)<--X (6)Sigma(+) band system, with the CrC(2)H molecule being linear in both the ground and the excited state. The related CrCH(3) molecule displays a vibronic spectrum in the 11 500-14 000 cm(-1) region. The upper state of this system displays six sub-bands that are too closely spaced to be vibrational structure, but too widely separated to be K structure. It is suggested that the observed spectrum is a (6)E<--X (6)A(1) band system, analogous to the well-known B (6)Pi<--X (6)Sigma(+) band systems of CrF and CrCl. The ground state Cr-CH(3) vibration is characterized by omega(e) (")=525+/-17 cm(-1) and omega(e) (")x(e) (")=7.9+/-6 cm(-1). The spectrum of NiCH(3) lies in the 16 100-17 400 cm(-1) range and has omega(e) (')=455.3+/-0.1 cm(-1) and omega(e) (')x(e) (')=6.60+/-0.03 cm(-1). Dispersed fluorescence studies provide ground state vibrational constants of omega(e) (")=565.8+/-1.6 cm(-1) and omega(e) (")x(e) (")=1.7+/-3.0 cm(-1). Again, these values correspond to the Ni-CH(3) stretching motion. (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics.     

Observation of the d3Pi(g)<--c3Sigma(u)+ band system of C2

A new band system of C(2), d (3)Pi(g)<--c (3)Sigma(u) (+) is observed by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy, constituting the first direct detection of the c (3)Sigma(u) (+) state of C(2). Observations were made by laser excitation of c (3)Sigma(u) (+)(v(")=0) C(2), produced in an acetylene discharge, to the d (3)Pi(g)(v(')=3) level, followed by detection of Swan band fluorescence. Rotational analysis of this band yielded rotational constants for the c (3)Sigma(u) (+)(v(")=0) state: B(0)=1.9218(2) cm(-1), lambda(0)=-0.335(4) cm(-1) and gamma(0)=0.011(2) cm(-1). The vibrational band origin was determined to be nu(3-0)=15861.28 cm(-1).     

The d (3)Pi(g)-c (3)Sigma(u) (+) band system of C2

A two-dimensional fluorescence (excitation/emission) spectrum of C2 produced in an acetylene discharge was used to identify and separate emission bands from the d (3)Pi(g)<--c (3)Sigma(u) (+) and d (3)Pi(g)<--a (3)Pi(u) excitations. Rotationally resolved excitation spectra of the (4<--1), (5<--1), (5<--2), and (7<--3) bands in the d (3)Pi(g)<--c (3)Sigma(u) (+) system of C2 were observed by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The molecular constants of each vibrational level, determined from rotational analysis, were used to calculate the spectroscopic constants of the c (3)Sigma(u) (+) state. The principal molecular constants for the c (3)Sigma(u) (+) state are B(e)=1.9319(19) cm(-1), alpha(e)=0.018 55(69) cm(-1), omega(e)=2061.9 cm(-1), omega(e)x(e)=14.84 cm(-1), and T(0)(c-a)=8662.925(3) cm(-1). We report also the first experimental observations of dispersed fluorescence from the d (3)Pi(g) state to the c (3)Sigma(u) (+) state, namely, d (3)Pi(g)(v=3)-->c (3)Sigma(u) (+)(v=0,1).     

Intense-field modulation of NO2 multiphoton dissociation dynamics

We report on the dynamics of multiphoton excitation and dissociation of NO(2) at wavelengths between 395 and 420 nm and intensities between 4 and 10 TW cm(-2). The breakup of the molecule is monitored by NO A (2)Sigma(+)n(')=1,0-->X (2)Pi(r)n(")=0 fluorescence as a function of time delay between the driving field and a probe field which depletes the emission. It is found that generation of n(')=0 and 1 NO A (2)Sigma(+) results in different fluorescence modulation patterns due to the intense probe field. The dissociation dynamics are interpreted in terms of nuclear motions over light-induced potentials formed by coupling of NO(2) valence and Rydberg states to the applied field. Based on this model, it is argued that the time and intensity dependences of A (2)Sigma(+)n(')=0-->X (2)Pi(r)n(")=0 fluorescence are consistent with delayed generation of NO A (2)Sigma(+)n(')=0 via a light-induced bond-hardening brought about by the transient coupling of the dressed A (2)B(2) and Rydberg 3ssigma (2)Sigma(g) (+) states of the parent molecule. The increasingly prompt decay of A (2)Sigma(+)n(')=1-->X (2)Pi(r)n(")=0 fluorescence with increasing intensity, on the other hand, is consistent with a direct surface crossing between the X (2)A(1) and 3ssigma (2)Sigma(g) (+) dressed states to generate vibrationally excited products.     

Rotationally resolved spectra of jet-cooled VMo

The authors report the first gas-phase spectroscopic investigation of diatomic vanadium molybdenum (VMo). The molecules were produced by laser ablation of a VMo alloy disk and cooled in a helium supersonic expansion. The jet-cooled VMo molecules were studied using resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. The ground state has been demonstrated to be of (2)Delta(52) symmetry, deriving from the dsigma(2)dpi(4)ddelta(3)ssigma(2) electronic configuration. Rotational analysis has established the ground state bond length and rotational constant as r(0) (")=1.876 57(23) A and B(0) (")=0.142 861(35) cm(-1), respectively, for (51)V(98)Mo (1sigma error limits). Transitions to states with Omega(')=2.5, Omega(')=3.5, and Omega(')=1.5 have been recorded and rotationally analyzed. A band system originating at 15 091 cm(-1) has been found to exhibit a vibrational progression with omega(e) (')=752.7 cm(-1), omega(e) (')x(e) (')=12.8 cm(-1), and r(0) (')=1.90 A for (51)V(98)Mo. The measured bond lengths (r(0)) of V(2), VNb, Nb(2), Cr(2), CrMo, Mo(2), VCr, NbCr, and VMo have been used to derive multiple bonding radii for these elements of r(V)=0.8919 A, r(Nb)=1.0424 A, r(Cr)=0.8440 A, and r(Mo)=0.9725 A. These values reproduce the bond lengths of all nine diatomics to an accuracy of +/-0.012 A or better.     

Doubly excited 2 1Delta g state of Na2

The doubly excited valence (3p+3p) 2 (1)Delta(g) state of Na(2) is experimentally observed by using optical-optical double resonance spectroscopy. A single line Ar(+) laser (a total of nine lines) was used to pump the sodium dimers from thermally populated ground state X (1)Sigma(g) (+) to the intermediate B (1)Pi(u) state. Then, a single mode Ti:sapphire laser was used to probe the doubly excited 2 (1)Delta(g) state. Violet fluorescence emitted from the highly excited states (mainly 2 (3)Pi(g) or 3 (3)Pi(g) states which are transferred from 2 (1)Delta(g) state via collision) to the a (3)Sigma(u) (+) state was monitored by a filtered photomultiplier tube (PMT). A total of 582 rovibrational levels of 2 (1)Delta(g) state were observed, identified, and assigned to the vibrational and rotational quantum numbers in the range of 0< or =v< or =28 and 11< or =J< or =99, respectively. The absolute vibrational quantum number assignment was verified by comparing the totally resolved fluorescence with the calculated Franck-Condon factors between 2 (1)Delta(g) state and B (1)Pi(u) state. Dunham coefficients and Rydberg-Klein-Rees potential curve were derived from these observed quantum levels. The primary molecular constants of Na(2) 2 (1)Delta(g) state are T(e)=32 416.759(15) cm(-1), omega(e)=124.8484(36) cm(-1), B(e)=0.119 158(3) cm(-1), and R(e)=3.508 20(5) A.     

Millimeter-wave-detected, millimeter-wave optical polarization spectroscopy

We report a new form of microwave optical double-resonance spectroscopy called millimeter-wave-detected, millimeter-wave optical polarization spectroscopy (mmOPS). In contrast to other forms of polarization spectroscopy, in which the polarization rotation of optical beams is detected, the mmOPS technique is based on the polarization rotation of millimeter waves induced by the anisotropy from optical pumping out of the lower or upper levels of the millimeter wave transition. By monitoring ground-state rotational transitions with the millimeter waves, the mmOPS technique is capable of identifying weak or otherwise difficult-to-observe optical transitions in complex chemical environments, where multiple molecular species or vibrational states can lead to spectral congestion. Once a transition is identified, mmOPS can then be used to record pure rotational transitions in vibrationally and electronically excited states, with the resolution limited only by the radiative decay rate. Here, the sensitivity of this nearly-background-free technique is demonstrated by optically pumping the weak, nominally spin-forbidden CS e (3)Sigma(-)-X (1)Sigma(+) (2-0) and d (3)Delta-X (1)Sigma(+) (6-0) electronic transitions while probing the CS X (1)Sigma(+) (v(")=0,J(")=2-1) rotational transition with millimeter waves. The J(')=2,N(')=2<--J(')=1,N(')=1 pure rotational transition of the CS e (3)Sigma(-) (v(')=2) state is then recorded by optically preparing the J(')=1,N(')=1 level of the e (3)Sigma(-) (v(')=2) state via the J(')=1,N(')=1<--J(")=1 transition of the e (3)Sigma(-)-X (1)Sigma(+) (2-0) band.     

Theoretical study of electronic states of N22+in an intense radiation field

The Floquet states of N(2) (2+) created by the interactions of the six lowest singlet (1 (1)Sigma(g) (+), 1 (1)Delta(g), 2 (1)Sigma(g) (+), 1 (1)Pi(u), 1 (1)Pi(g), and 1 (1)Sigma(u) (-)) states of the dication with intense (0.4 x 10(13) Wcm(2)) radiation have been studied using the recently developed multireference configuration interaction method with single and double excitations (MRCISD)-based approach. The adiabatic Floquet state coinciding near its minimum with the initial X (1)Sigma(g) (+) ground state and asymptotically correlating with A (1)Pi(u) (m = -1), i.e., with one less photon in the dressed state, is expected to be metastable, as is the ground state in the absence of a field, but to support up to the v(max) = 12 quasibound vibrational level in comparison with v(max) = 11 in the parent field-free X (1)Sigma(g) (+) ground state. The tunneling lifetimes of the highest vibrational levels in this adiabatic Floquet state are predicted to be several orders longer than those in the parent field-free state. Analysis of the complete basis set limit extrapolated MRCISD potential energy curve of the field-free X (1)Sigma(g) (+) state of N(2) (2+) calculated in the present work (R(e) = 1.130 A, omega(e) = 2011 cm(-1), omega(e)x(e) = 26.1 cm(-1)) is in good agreement with spectroscopic experimental data. Calculations on the field-free A (1)Pi(u) state (T(e) = 12 106 cm(-1), R(e) = 1.252 A, omega(e) = 1438 cm(-1), omega(e)x(e) = 23.5 cm(-1)) generally support earlier theoretical work and do not support reported experimental values.     

Observation of L uncoupling in the 5 1Deltag Rydberg state of Na2

The phenomenon of electronic orbital angular momentum L uncoupled from its internuclear axis has been observed in the sodium dimer using high-resolution cw optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy. When L uncoupling occurs, the degeneracy of Lambda doubling is removed. In our experiment, the intermediate B (1)Pi(u) state of Na(2) is excited from the thermally populated ground X (1)Sigma(g) (+) state by a single-line Ar(+) laser. Then, a single-mode dye laser is used to probe the Rydberg states from the intermediate state. The signals are detected by monitoring the UV fluorescence from the triplet gerade states back to the a (3)Sigma(u) (+) state via collision energy transfer. Under our experimental resolution, the splitting of Lambda doubling in the 5 (1)Delta(g) state of Na(2) can be measured. A total of 136 rovibronic levels with ef parities have been assigned to the 5 (1)Delta(g) state. The Lambda-splitting constants deduced from these data are q(0)=0.376(90)x10(-4) cm(-1), q(v)=0.114(6)x10(-4) cm(-1), and mu=0.76(33)x10(-8) cm(-1). In general, the Lambda splitting of the Delta states is considerably smaller than that of the Pi states. However, the first-order splitting constants q(0) and q(v) reported here are larger than those in the B (1)Pi(u) state. This is due to the L uncoupling of the Rydberg states.     

The [1+1] two-photon dissociation spectra of CO2 + via A 2Pi u,12(upsilon1upsilon20)<--X 2Pi g,12(000) transitions

In the wavelength range of 235-354 nm, we have obtained the mass-resolved [1+1] two-photon dissociation spectra of CO(2) (+) via A (2)Pi(u,12)(upsilon(1)upsilon(2)0)<--X (2)Pi(g,12)(000) transitions by preparing CO(2) (+) ions in the X (2)Pi(g,12)(000) state via [3+1] multiphoton ionization of CO(2) molecules at 333.06 nm. The vibronic bands of (upsilon(1)20;upsilon(1)=0-11)micro (2)Pi(12) and (upsilon(1)20;upsilon(1)=0-6)kappa (2)Pi(12) involving the bending mode of CO(2) (+)(A (2)Pi(u,12)) were assigned. The spectroscopic constants of T(e)=27 908.9+/-1.1 cm(-1) [above CO(2) (+)(X (2)Pi(g,12))], nu(1)=1126.00+/-0.36 cm(-1), chi(11)=-1.602+/-0.005 cm(-1), nu(2)(micro (2)Pi(12))=402.5+/-13.3 cm(-1), and nu(2)(kappa (2)Pi(12))=493.1+/-23.6 cm(-1) for CO(2) (+)(A (2)Pi(u,12)) are deduced from the data of the A (2)Pi(u,12)(upsilon(1)upsilon(2)0)<--X (2)Pi(g,12)(000) transitions. The observed intensity reversal between (500) (2)Pi(12) and (420)micro (2)Pi(12) can be attributed to the conformational variation of CO(2) (+)(A (2)Pi(u,12)) from linear to bent, then the conversion potential barrier is estimated to be 5209 cm(-1) above CO(2) (+)(A (2)Pi(u,12)(000)). The wavelength and level dependence of the photofragment branching ratios have been measured and the dissociation dynamics of CO(2) (+) via A (2)Pi(u,12) state is discussed.     

Gas phase electronic spectrum of linear AlCCH

The electronic spectrum of the aluminium containing species AlCCH has been detected in the gas phase in the region 315-355 nm. The experiment used a mass selective resonant two-color two-photon ionization technique coupled to a laser ablation source. Structures of the AlCCH isomers have been optimized using density functional theory (DFT) and the excitation energies to the low-lying electronic excited states calculated. Based on the analysis of the observed rotational structure and the theoretical data, the spectrum is assigned to the A (1)Pi<-- X (1)Sigma(+) electronic transition of linear AlCCH. The vibronic band system is complicated by the Renner-Teller effect in the excited state. The assignment yields nu(4)' = 516.4 cm(-1) for the stretching mode in the ground X (1)Sigma(+) state and nu(4)' = 654.5 cm(-1) for A (1)Pi excited state. Molecular constants determined from the rotational analysis are B(0)' = 0.16487(14), B(0)' = 0.17845(13) and T(0) = 28 755.04 cm(-1). The experimental and theoretical data indicate a shorter Al-C bond in the A (1)Pi excited than the X (1)Sigma(+) ground state.     

Rovibrational characterization of X 2Sigma+ 11BH+ by the extrapolation of photoselected high Rydberg series in 11BH

Optical-optical-optical triple-resonance spectroscopy of (11)BH isolates high Rydberg states that form series converging to rotational state specific ionization potentials in the vibrational levels of (11)BH(+) from nu(+)=0 through 4. Limits defined by a comprehensive fit of these series to state-detailed thresholds yield rovibrational constants describing the X (2)Sigma(+) state of (11)BH(+). The data provide a first determination of the vibrational-rotational interaction parameter alpha(e)=0.4821 cm(-1) and a more accurate estimate of omega(e)=2526.58 cm(-1) together with the higher-order anharmonic terms omega(e)x(e)=61.98 cm(-1) and omega(e)y(e)=-1.989 cm(-1). The deperturbation and global fit of series to state-detailed limits also yield a precise value of the adiabatic ionization potential of (11)BH of 79 120.3+/-0.1 cm(-1), or 9.810 33+/-1x10(-5) eV. High precision is afforded here by the use of graphical analysis techniques, narrow-bandwidth laser systems, and an analysis of newly observed, high principal quantum number Rydberg states that conform well with Hund's case (d) electron-core coupling limit.     

An ab initio multireference perturbation theory study on the manganese dimer

The potential energy curves of the ground state and of some excited states of the manganese dimer have been calculated over a wide range of internuclear distances using the second order n-electron valence state perturbation theory applied to a complete active space self-consistent field reference wave function. The ground state of Mn(2), for which also the third order NEVPT has been used, is calculated to be a singlet belonging to the Sigma(g) (+) symmetry, characterized by a large equilibrium internuclear distance R(e) of 3.7-3.8 A, by a low dissociation energy D(e) of 0.07-0.08 eV, and by a small harmonic frequency omega(e) of 43 cm(-1). The experimental evidence that Mn(2) is a van der Waals molecule is thus confirmed. Among the excited states, (11)Pi(u), which is usually indicated as the ground state by density functional theory studies, appears as a low-lying state with R(e)=2.50 A, D(e)=1.35 eV, and omega(e)=246 cm(-1).     

Fluorescence excitation spectra of the b (1)Pi(u), b(') (1)Sigma(u) (+), c(n) (1)Pi(u), and c(n) (') (1)Sigma(u) (+) states of N(2) in the 80-100 nm region

Fluorescence excitation spectra produced through photoexcitation of N(2) using synchrotron radiation in the spectral region between 80 and 100 nm have been studied. Two broadband detectors were employed to simultaneously monitor fluorescence in the 115-320 nm and 300-700 nm regions, respectively. The peaks in the vacuum ultraviolet fluorescence excitation spectra are found to correspond to excitation of absorption transitions from the ground electronic state to the b (1)Pi(u), b(') (1)Sigma(u) (+), c(n) (1)Pi(u) (with n=4-8), c(n) (') (1)Sigma(u) (+) (with n=5-9), and c(4) (')(v('))(1)Sigma(u) (+) (with v(')=0-8) states of N(2). The relative fluorescence production cross sections for the observed peaks are determined. No fluorescence has been produced through excitation of the most dominating absorption features of the b-X transition except for the (1,0), (5,0), (6,0), and (7,0) bands, in excellent agreement with recent lifetime measurements and theoretical calculations. Fluorescence peaks, which correlate with the long vibrational progressions of the c(4) (') (1)Sigma(u) (+) (with v(')=0-8) and the b(') (1)Sigma(u) (+) (with v(') up to 19), have been observed. The present results provide important information for further unraveling of complicated and intriguing interactions among the excited electronic states of N(2). Furthermore, solar photon excitation of N(2) leading to the production of c(4) (')(0) may provide useful data required for evaluating and analyzing dayglow models relevant to the interpretation of c(4) (')(0) in the atmospheres of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Titan, and Triton.     

Optical spectroscopy of RuC: 18,000-24,000 cm(-1)

The optical spectrum of diatomic RuC has been recorded from 17 800 to 24 200 cm(-1). Three previously unidentified excited electronic states were analyzed and identified as having Omega' = 0, Omega' = 2, and Omega' = 3. The Omega' = 3 state was determined to be a 3Delta3 state that is suggested to arise from a mixture of the 10sigma(2)11sigma(2)5pi(3)2delta(3)12sigma(1)6pi(1) and 10sigma(2)11sigma(1)5pi(3)2delta(3)12sigma(2)6pi(1) electronic configurations. Three additional bands belonging to the previously observed [18.1] (1)Pi<--X (1)Sigma(+) system were analyzed to obtain B(e) (')=0.558 244(48) cm(-1), alpha(e) (')=0.004 655(27) cm(-1), omegae' = 887.201(37) cm(-1), and omega(e) 'xe' = 5.589(7) cm(-1) for the 102Ru 12C isotopomer (1sigma error limits). A Rydberg-Klein-Rees analysis was then performed using the determined spectroscopic constants of the [18.1] 1Pi state, and similar analyses were performed for the previously observed states. The resulting potential energy curves are provided for the 100Ru 12C, 101Ru 12C, 102Ru 12C, and 104Ru 12C isotopic species.     

Differential scattering cross-sections for CN A2Pi+Ar

We present the first results from a novel experimental approach to the measurement of state-to-state differential scattering cross-sections for inelastic scattering of electronically excited CN A(2)Pi with Ar. Photodissociation of ICN with linearly polarized 266 nm radiation generates CN X(2)Sigma(+) (upsilon(")=0,J(")) with a near mono-energetic speed distribution and large anisotropy. Saturated optical pumping of the nascent CN X(2)Sigma(+) transfers this speed distribution without distortion to selected rotational quantum states of the A(2)Pi (upsilon(')=4) level. The products of rotational energy transfer within the A(2)Pi (upsilon(')=4) level into the J(')=0.5, F(2), f, state are probed using frequency modulated stimulated emission spectroscopy on the A-X (4,2) band with a single frequency external cavity tunable diode laser. Doppler profiles of transitions from individual rotational, spin-orbit and lambda doublet specific levels are acquired for different geometrical arrangements of photolysis polarization and probe propagation directions. The resulting Doppler profiles, which for this J(')=0.5 state cannot display a rotational angular momentum alignment, are combined to yield composite Doppler profiles depending on speed and translational anisotropy, which are analyzed to determine fully state-to-state resolved differential scattering cross-sections.     

First spectroscopic studies of the B2Sigma+ --> X2Sigma+ system in the 12C17O+ molecule spectrum

The emission spectrum of the B2Sigma+ --> X2Sigma+ system in the 12C17O+ has been recorded at high resolution with conventional spectroscopic techniques. A graphite hollow cathode lamp filled with oxygen, enriched approximately 45% with the 17O2 isotope, has given strong spectra of hitherto unreported bands system of 12C17O+. Four bands, which form the 0-v(') (v(')=1 -4) progression, have been rotationally analysed with effective Hamiltonians of Brown [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 74 (1979) 294]. Next the rovibronic structure parameters, for the B2Sigma+ and X2Sigma+ states, have been determined from merge calculations. Finally, principal equilibrium molecular constants for the ground state: omegae=2186.032(26) cm(-1), omegae xe=14.7848(43) cm(-1), Be=1.927271(73) cm(-1) , alphae=1.8432(24) x 10(-2) cm(-1), De=6.018(26) x 10(-6) cm(-1), betae=1.11(92) x 10(-8) cm(-1) and the sigma(e)(B-->X)=45876.563(34) cm(-1) value of the 12CO17+ molecule have been derived for the first time in this investigation.     

Molecular beam optical Stark study of the [18.1] (2)Pi(12)-X (4)Sigma(12) (-) band system of rhodium monosulfide

The optical Stark effect in the (R)R(13)(0.5) branch feature of the [18.1] (2)Pi(12)-X (4)Sigma(12) (-) (v('),v(")=0) band of rhodium monosulfide (RhS) has been recorded and analyzed to determine the permanent electric dipole moment mu(e) of 3.40(2) D for the ground X (4)Sigma(12) (-) (v=0) state and an upper limit of 1.5 D for the [18.1] (2)Pi(12) state. Molecular orbital correlation diagrams are used to interpret the relative values of mu(e) for RhN, RhO, and RhS. The (103)Rh(I=12) magnetic hyperfine interaction in the X (4)Sigma(12) (-) and [18.1] (2)Pi(12) states is analyzed.     

Photodissociation dynamics of IBr(-)(CO(2))(n), n<15

We report the ionic photoproducts produced following photoexcitation of mass selected IBr(-)(CO(2))(n), n=0-14, cluster ions at 790 and 355 nm. These wavelengths provide single state excitation to two dissociative states, corresponding to the A(') (2)Pi(1/2) and B 2 (2)Sigma(1/2) (+) states of the IBr(-) chromophore. Excitation of these states in IBr(-) leads to production of I(-)+Br and Br(-)+I( *), respectively. Potential energy curves for the six lowest electronic states of IBr(-) are calculated, together with structures for IBr(-)(CO(2))(n), n=1-14. Translational energy release measurements on photodissociated IBr(-) determine the I-Br(-) bond strength to be 1.10+/-0.04 eV; related measurements characterize the A(') (2)Pi(1/2)<--X (2)Sigma(1/2) (+) absorption band. Photodissociation product distributions are measured as a function of cluster size following excitation to the A(') (2)Pi(1/2) and B 2 (2)Sigma(1/2) (+) states. The solvent is shown to drive processes such as spin-orbit relaxation, charge transfer, recombination, and vibrational relaxation on the ground electronic state. Following excitation to the A(') (2)Pi(1/2) electronic state, IBr(-)(CO(2))(n) exhibits size-dependent cage fractions remarkably similar to those observed for I(2) (-)(CO(2))(n). In contrast, excitation to the B 2 (2)Sigma(1/2) (+) state shows extensive trapping in excited states that dominates the recombination behavior for all cluster sizes we investigated. Finally, a pump-probe experiment on IBr(-)(CO(2))(8) determines the time required for recombination on the ground state following excitation to the A(') state. While the photofragmentation experiments establish 100% recombination in the ground electronic state for this and larger IBr(-) cluster ions, the time required for recombination is found to be approximately 5 ns, some three orders of magnitude longer than observed for the analogous I(2) (-) cluster ion. Comparisons are made with similar experiments carried out on I(2) (-)(CO(2))(n) and ICl(-)(CO(2))(n) cluster ions.     

High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy of the A2E-X2A1 transition of SrCH3

High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy has been used to record the A (2)E-X (2)A(1) electronic transition of SrCH(3) in a laser ablation/molecular jet source. Transitions arising from the K(')=1<--K(")=0, K(')=0<--K(")=1, and K(')=2<--K(")=1 subbands have been observed and assigned. The data were modeled with (2)E and (2)A(1) symmetric top Hamiltonian matrices in a Hund's case (a) basis, using a least squares fitting program. Rotational and fine structure parameters for the A (2)E state were determined. A comparison of the spin-orbit energy separation in the A (2)E state to other strontium containing free radicals showed that the Jahn-Teller effect is negligible. The spin-rotation constants for the A (2)E state were calculated using the pure precession model and were found to be in good agreement with the experimentally determined parameters. These calculations suggest that the A (2)E state of SrCH(3) is not entirely of p orbital character. The rotational constants were used to estimate the structural parameters of SrCH(3) in the A (2)E state. The strontium-carbon bond length was found to decrease by approximately 0.006 A, and the hydrogen-carbon-hydrogen bond angle opened by approximately 0.8 degrees compared to the X (2)A(1) state, similar to the geometry changes observed for CaCH(3).