The (1) 3Σg+ electronic state of Cs2

Laser-induced fluorescence of Cs₂ molecules, recorded by high-resolution Fourier spectroscopy, has been used for the first spectroscopic identification of the lowest gerade triplet (1) ³Σ_g⁺ electronic state. This state can be described by the molecular parameters: T_e = 11602.10 cm⁻¹, B_c = 8.258×10⁻³ cm⁻¹, D_c = 2.56×10⁻⁹ cm⁻¹ and R_c = 5.5425 Å. Determination of the absolute vibrational numbering will require further experiments.     

Chemical dynamics of the CH(X2Π) + C2H4(X1A1g), CH(X2Π) + C2D4(X1A1g), and CD(X2Π) + C2H4(X1A1g) reactions studied under single collision conditions

The crossed beam reactions of the methylidyne radical with ethylene (CH(X(2)Π) + C(2)H(4)(X(1)A(1g))), methylidyne with D4-ethylene (CH(X(2)Π) + C(2)D(4)(X(1)A(1g))), and D1-methylidyne with ethylene (CD(X(2)Π) + C(2)H(4)(X(1)A(1g))) were conducted at nominal collision energies of 17-18 kJ mol(-1) to untangle the chemical dynamics involved in the formation of distinct C(3)H(4) isomers methylacetylene (CH(3)CCH), allene (H(2)CCCH(2)), and cyclopropene (c-C(3)H(4)) via C(3)H(5) intermediates. By tracing the atomic hydrogen and deuterium loss pathways, our experimental data suggest indirect scattering dynamics and an initial addition of the (D1)-methylidyne radical to the carbon-carbon double bond of the (D4)-ethylene reactant forming a cyclopropyl radical intermediate (c-C(3)H(5)/c-C(3)D(4)H/c-C(3)H(4)D). The latter was found to ring-open to the allyl radical (H(2)CCHCH(2)/D(2)CCHCD(2)/H(2)CCDCH(2)). This intermediate was found to be long lived with life times of at least five times its rotational period and decomposed via atomic hydrogen/deuterium loss from the central carbon atom (C2) to form allene via a rather loose exit transition state in an overall strongly exoergic reaction. Based on the experiments with partially deuterated reactants, no compelling evidence could be provided to support the formation of the cyclopropene and methylacetylene isomers under single collision conditions. Likewise, hydrogen/deuterium shifts in the allyl radical intermediates or an initial insertion of the (D1)-methylidyne radical into the carbon-hydrogen/deuterium bond of the (D4)-ethylene reactant were found to be-if at all-of minor importance. Our experiments propose that in hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres of planets and their moons such as Saturn's satellite Titan, the reaction of methylidyne radicals should lead predominantly to the hitherto elusive allene molecule in these reducing environments.     

Reinvestigate the C2Π-X2Π(0,0) Band of AgO

The \begin{document}$ C^2\Pi $\end{document}-\begin{document}$ X^2\Pi $\end{document}(0, 0) band of AgO has been reinvestigated by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy with a spectral resolution of \begin{document}$ \sim $\end{document}0.02 cm\begin{document}$ ^{-1} $\end{document}. The AgO molecules are produced by discharging a gas mixture of O\begin{document}$ _2 $\end{document}/Ar with silver needle electrodes in a supersonic jet expansion. By employing a home-made narrowband single longitude mode optical parametric oscillator (SLM-OPO) as the laser source, high-resolution spectra of the \begin{document}$ C^2\Pi $\end{document}-\begin{document}$ X^2\Pi $\end{document}(0, 0) band have been recorded for both \begin{document}$ ^{107} $\end{document}Ag\begin{document}$ ^{16} $\end{document}O and \begin{document}$ ^{109} $\end{document}Ag\begin{document}$ ^{16} $\end{document}O isotopologues. The spectroscopic constants of the \begin{document}$ C^2\Pi $\end{document} state are consequently determined, with the \begin{document}$ ^{109} $\end{document}Ag\begin{document}$ ^{16} $\end{document}O one being reported for the first time. The nature of the spin-orbit coupling effect in the \begin{document}$ C^2\Pi $\end{document} state is proposed to be due to state mixing with the nearby repulsive \begin{document}$ ^{4}\Sigma^{-} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ ^{4}\Pi $\end{document} states.     

The pure rotational spectrum of the CrS radical in its X 5Π(r) state

The pure rotational spectrum of the CrS radical has been measured in its ground X (5)Π(r) state using gas-phase millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption methods. The molecule was created by the reaction of chromium vapor, sublimed in a Broida-type oven, with hydrogen sulfide. Eleven rotational transitions were recorded for this free radical in the frequency range of 280-405 GHz; in most transitions, all five spin components were observed, and lambda-doubling was resolved in the Ω=0, 1, and 2 ladders. The data were fit with a Hund's case (a) Hamiltonian and rotational, spin-orbit, spin-spin, and lambda-doubling constants were established. Higher order spin and spin-orbit terms were essential in the analysis. The lambda-doubling constants indicate a nearby (5)Σ(+) state at an energy of ～1500-2000?cm(-1). A bond length of 2.0781 A? was derived for CrS from the data, which is larger than the value of 2.0682 A? found for MnS by ～0.01?A?. In contrast, the bond distance for MnO is greater than that of CrO by 0.03 A?, an illustration of the subtle differences between 3d oxide and sulfides. CrS is the second molecule in a (5)Π state that has been studied by rotational spectroscopy.     

Synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet radiation studies of the D (1)Π(u) state of H(2)

The 3pπD?(1)Π(u) state of the H(2) molecule was reinvestigated with different techniques at two synchrotron installations. The Fourier transform spectrometer in the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength range of the DESIRS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron was used for recording absorption spectra of the D?(1)Π(u) state at high resolution and high absolute accuracy, limited only by the Doppler contribution at 100 K. From these measurements, line positions were extracted, in particular, for the narrow resonances involving (1)Π(u) (-) states, with an accuracy estimated at 0.06?cm(-1). The new data also closely match multichannel quantum defect calculations performed for the Π(-) components observed via the narrow Q-lines. The Λ-doubling in the D?(1)Π(u) state was determined up to v=17. The 10 m normal incidence scanning monochromator at the beamline U125/2 of the BESSY II synchrotron, combined with a home-built target chamber and equipped with a variety of detectors, was used to unravel information on ionization, dissociation, and intramolecular fluorescence decay for the D?(1)Π(u) vibrational series. The combined results yield accurate information on the characteristic Beutler-Fano profiles associated with the strongly predissociated Π(u) (+) parity components of the D?(1)Π(u) levels. Values for the parameters describing the predissociation width as well as the Fano-q line shape parameters for the J=1 and J=2 rotational states were determined for the sequence of vibrational quantum numbers up to v=17.     

Non-orthonormal basis calculations of the dipole transition moment for the phillips system (A 1Πu → X 1Σ+g) in C2. Theoretical lifetime of the A 1Πu state

Non-orthonormal basis calculations have been carried out on the A ¹Π_u → X ¹Σ⁺_g transition moment of C₂ as a function of CC internuclear distance. Two types of AO basis set and different sizes of CI vectors were employed in order to examine the convergence of the theoretical results. Published ab initio potential energy curves and the transition moments of the present work were combined to calculate radiative lifetimes of vibrational levels of the A ¹Π_u state. The resulting lifetimes are in agreement with other theoretical values, obtained with orthonormal basis calculations, which however, are significantly lower than those of the most recent experiments.     

Detection of nitrogen rotational distributions by resonant 2 + 2 multiphoton ionization through the a1Πg state

Characterization of laser 2 + 2 multiphoton ionization of nitrogen to obtain rotational state distributions has been investigated via the resonant two-photon transition a ¹Π_g(ν = 1) ← X ¹Σ_g(ν = 0). For room-temperature nitrogen, the spectral intensities and state distribution are directly related and give rotational temperatures of 290 ± 20 K. For power densities of 3 GW/cm², the ionization probability is 1 × 10⁻⁵ per N₂ molecule per average rotational state.     

Formation of ultracold Rb2 molecules in the v' = 0 level of the a(3)Σ+(u) state via blue-detuned photoassociation to the 1(3)Π(g) state

We report on the observation of blue-detuned photoassociation in Rb(2), in which vibrational levels are energetically above the corresponding excited atomic asymptote. (85)Rb atoms in a MOT were photoassociated at short internuclear distance to levels of the 1(3)Π(g) state at a rate of approximately 5 × 10(4) molecules s(-1). We have observed most of the predicted vibrational levels for all four spin-orbit components; 0(+)(g), 0(-)(g), 1(g), and 2(g), including levels of the 0(+)(g) outer well. These molecules decay to the metastable a(3)Σ(+)(u) state, some preferentially to the v' = 0 level, as we have observed for photoassociation to the v' = 8 level of the 1(g) component.     

Vibrational analysis of N2(B 3Πg and C 3Πu) and CO(X) excited in N2 discharge and post discharge

A spectroscopic characterization of a N₂ radiofrequency discharge and N₂CO post discharge has been performed. The relative vibrational distribution of the excited B ³Π_g and C ³Π_u states of nitrogen and their correlation with the ground state have been analyzed. The analysis confirms the importance of the metastable molecules. N₂(A ³Σ⁺_u), in affecting the vibrational distribution of nitrogen in its ground state in the discharge and post discharge. The vibrational analysis of the CO ground state, excited in the post discharge by vibrationally excited N₂ molecules, confirms the high degree of vibrational non-equilibrium in the ground state of nitrogen, in the presence of a low first-level vibrational temperature.     

Crossed beam reactions of methylidyne [CH(X2Π)] with D2-acetylene [C2D2(X1Σg(+))] and of D1-methylidyne [CD(X2Π)] with acetylene [C2H2(X1Σg(+))

The crossed molecular beam reactions of ground state methylidyne, CH(X(2)Π), with D2-acetylene, C(2)D(2)(X(1)Σ(g)(+)), and of D1-methylidyne, CD(X(2)Π), with acetylene, C(2)H(2)(X(1)Σ(g)(+)), were conducted under single collision conditions at a collision energy of 17 kJ mol(-1). Four competing reaction channels were identified in each system following atomic 'hydrogen' (H/D) and molecular 'hydrogen' (H(2)/D(2)/HD) losses. The reaction dynamics were found to be indirect via complex formation and were initiated by two barrierless-addition pathways of methylidyne/D1-methylidyne to one and to both carbon atoms of the D2-acetylene/acetylene reactant yielding HCCDCD/DCCHCH and c-C(3)D(2)H/c-C(3)H(2)D collision complexes, respectively. The latter decomposed via atomic hydrogen/deuterium ejection to form the thermodynamically most stable cyclopropenylidene species (c-C(3)H(2), c-C(3)D(2), c-C(3)DH). On the other hand, the HCCDCD/DCCHCH adducts underwent hydrogen/deuterium shifts to form the propargyl radicals (HDCCCD, D(2)CCCH; HDCCCH, H(2)CCCD) followed by molecular 'hydrogen' losses within the rotational plane of the decomposing complex yielding l-C(3)H/l-C(3)D. Quantitatively, our crossed beam studies suggest a dominating atomic compared to molecular 'hydrogen' loss with fractions of 81 ± 23% vs. 19 ± 10% for the CD/C(2)H(2) and 87 ± 30% vs. 13 ± 4% for the CH/C(2)D(2) systems. The role of these reactions in the formation of interstellar isomers of C(3)H(2) and C(3)H is also discussed.     

The A′ 3Π(2u-X 1Σg+ emission spectrum of Br2 in an argon matrix

The emission spectrum of the A′ ³Π(2_u)-X ¹Σ_g⁺ system of Br₂ in an argon matrix is reported. The vibrationally resolved spectra have been analysed and two possible vibrational numberings have been determined. These provide estimates for T_c of 12966 ± 8 and 12679 ± 8 cm⁻¹, respectively. Excitation spectra have been examined, and these provide insight into the excitation and relaxation mechanisms present in the matrix.     

Theoretical investigation of the He-I2(E3Πg) ion-pair state: ab initio intermolecular potential and vibrational levels

We present a theoretical study on the potential energy surface and vibrational bound states of the E electronic excited state of the HeI(2) van der Waals system. The interaction energies are computed using accurate ab initio methods and large basis sets. Relativistic small-core effective core potentials in conjunction with a quintuple-zeta quality basis set are employed for the heavy iodine atoms in multireference configuration interaction calculations for the (3)A' and (3)A" states. For the representation of the potential energy surface we used a general interpolation technique for constructing potential surfaces from ab initio data based on the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method. The surface presents global and local minima for T-shaped configurations with well-depths of 33.2 and 4.6 cm(-1), respectively. Vibrational energies and states are computed through variational quantum mechanical calculations. We found that the binding energy of the HeI(2)(E) T-shaped isomer is 16.85 cm(-1), in excellent agreement with recent experimental measurements. In lieu of more experimental data we also report our predictions on higher vibrational levels and we analyze the influence of the underlying surface on them. This is the first attempt to represent the potential surface of such a highly excited electronic state of a van der Waals complex, and it demonstrates the capability of the ab initio technology to provide accurate results for carrying out reliable studies to model experimental data.     

High-resolution observation and analysis of the I(2) (+) A(2)Π(3∕2,u)-X (2)Π(3∕2,g) system

Rotationally resolved absorption spectra of I(2) (+) were recorded in 12 065-13 062 cm(-1) region by employing optical heterodyne velocity modulation absorption spectroscopy. In total, 4054 lines were assigned to 24 bands in the A(2)Π(3∕2,u)-X(2)Π(3∕2,g) system spanning the vibrational levels υ(') = 1-4 and υ(n) (') = 11-19. The assigned lines were globally fitted and an error of 0.003 cm(-1) was obtained. Rotational constants, B(υ), were used to derive equilibrium parameters B(e) (') = 0.03977725(77) cm(-1), a(e) (') = 1.1819(24)×10(-4) cm(-1), r(e) (') = 2.584386(25) A? of the X(2)Π(3∕2,g) state, and B(e) (') = 0.0305787(37) cm(-1), a(e) (') = 1.2353(23)×10(-4) cm(-1), r(e) (') = 2.94758(18) A? of the A(2)Π(3∕2,u) state. Vibrational energies were used to derive ω(e) (') = 239.0397(55) cm(-1), ω(e)x(e) (') = 0.64951(87) cm(-1) of the X(2)Π(3∕2,g) state and ω(e) (') = 138.103(11) cm(-1), ω(e)x(e) (') = 0.45027(34) cm(-1) of the A(2)Π(3∕2,u) state. The A(2)Π(3∕2,u) (υ(n) = 13) state was found to be rotationally perturbed by the a(4)Σ(1/2,u) (-) (υ(n) = 17) state through second-order spin-orbit coupling.     

An ab initio study of the E 3Πg state of the iodine molecule

The E (3)Π(g) state of the iodine molecule is studied by ab initio multireference methods coupled with effective core potentials and large basis sets. Two potential minima are found, a global featuring an ion-pair character, and a local presenting a purely Rydberg nature. Four avoided crossings along the dissociation coordinate attribute an interesting topology to its potential energy curve, and their effect on the vibrational levels of I(2) is discussed.     

Excited-state dynamics of trans,trans-1,3,5,7-octatetraene: estimation of decay rate constants of 1(1)B(u) ⇝ 2(1)A(g) and 2(1)A(g) ⇝ 1(1)A(g) internal conversions

The general expressions we previously derived for calculating internal conversion rate constants between two adiabatic displaced-distorted-rotated potential energy surfaces, by including all vibratinal modes, are applied to estimate the decay rate constants of 1(1)B(u) ? 2(1)A(g) and 2(1)A(g) ? 1(1)A(g) internal conversions in trans,trans-1,3,5,7-octatetraene molecule. The minimal models with respect to the number and types of vibrational modes are determined for these processes. Our calculations show that in the low temperature limit the 1(1)B(u) ? 2(1)A(g) internal conversion takes place on a 232-290 fs time scale in the condensed phase and 2 ps in the gas phase, whereas 2(1)A(g) ? 1(1)A(g) internal conversion takes place on a 2 μs time scale under the isolated conditions.     

State-to-state quantum dynamics of the H((2)S) + O2(ã(1)Δ(g)) → O((3)P)+OH(X(2)Π) reaction on the first excited state of HO2(Ã(2)A')

State-to-state differential and integral cross sections for the title reaction were calculated using an exact wave packet method on a recently developed ab initio potential energy surface of the first excited state HO(2)(?(2)A'). The calculation results indicate that the reaction is dominated by highly rotationally excited OH products scattered in both the forward and backward directions, consistent with the formation of a long-lived HO(2) reaction intermediate. However, a statistical model was found to overestimate the integral cross sections, due apparently to dynamical bottlenecks. In addition, a unique feature in the OH + O exit channel potential promotes rotational excitation of the departing OH product by exerting a torque force. The role of the title reaction in high temperature combustion is also discussed.     

The radiative lifetime of AlCl A 1Π

The radiative lifetime of the AlCl A ¹Π, v = 0 state has been determined by a laser-induced fluorescence method to be 6.4 × 10⁻⁹ s. The estimated accuracy limits are ± 40%.