The ab initio calculation of the band origin and vibrational frequencies of the Ã-X̃ system of HNCl using the non-rigid bender hamiltonian

A three-dimensional fit of ab initio MRD CI potential data has been made for the lowest two electronic states of the HNC1 molecule (X̃ ²A″ and à ²A'), and the corresponding vibrational frequencies and rotational energies have been computed using the non-rigid bender Hamiltonian. For the ground state the vibrational frequencies obtained are ν₁ = 2942 cm⁻¹, ν₂ = 1232 cm⁻¹, and ν₃ = 549 cm⁻¹, while the corresponding values for the first excited state are 3524,947 and 836 cm⁻¹ respectively. We calculate T_c(à ²A') 16200 cm⁻¹, T_o(òA') = 16400 cm⁻¹, and the Franck-Condon maximum, Ã(0,3,1)-X̃(0,0.0), is calculate at 19200 cm⁻¹(5200 Å).     

Molecular orbital studies of the spectral and structural properties of chlorosilylidyne,SiCl

Si-Cl bond distances for the X̃² Π ground and low lying b̃⁴ Σ, ò Σ and B̃'² Δ excited states of SiCl have been optimized at the SCF and CI level with 6–31G basis set. Optimized bond distances are in good agreement with experimental values. Computed electronic excitation energies for the X̃²Π-Ã²Σ and X̃²Π-B̃'² Δ transitions compare well with the observed spectrum. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequency for the ground state, 525.2 cm⁻¹, also agrees with the experimental value 535.6 cm⁻¹.     

The visible spectrum of jet-cooled CF3NO

The electronic origin of the à A″ ← X̃ A′ transition of trifluoronitrosomethane (CF₃NO) has been reassigned to the very weak feature near 717.9 nm in the fluorescence excitation spectrum of the jet-cooled molecule. The prominent torsional progression has been reinpreted and the height of the threefold torsional barier in the Ã( n,π^* ) state has been revised to 601.5 ± 10 cm⁻¹.     

Ab initio/empirical potential energy functions and stretching vibrational frequencies of the X̃ 2Π and à 2Π states of the chloroacetylene cation

Anharmonic potential energy functions for the stretching vibrational motions of the two lowest doublet states of chloro-acetylene cation have been constructed using ab initio RHF SCF calculations and some experimental information. Stretching vibrational frequencies are calculated variationally for four different isotopomers. The ν₁ vibrations of H¹²C₂³⁵Cl⁺ are predicted to occur at 3176 (X̃ ²Π) and 3231 (à ²Π) and the ν₂ vibration of the à state at 2081 cm⁻¹.     

Ion dip spectroscopy as a means of probing fast predissociating species: NH3 Ã1A'2 state

Using NH₃ ùA''₂ state as an illustrative example, we have succeeded in developing ion dip spectroscopy into an effective means of probing fast predissociating species that should be applicable to a large number of other interesting cases. The ion dip process we studied was a folded optical-optical double resonance: NH₃ X̃ + 3hv₁ → NH₃ C̃ hv₂→NH₃ à with ion detection. Based on our “composite” rotationally resolved spectra, band origins of the C'-A transition and rotational constants for the NH₃ à v''₂ = 0, 1, 2 vibronic states are obtained, the latter with ±0.06 cm⁻¹ accuracy. A lifetime for NH₃ à v''₂ = 1 level as short as 120±10 fs (46±5 cm⁻¹ bandwidth) has been measured.     

Ir absorption spectrum of CrO2Cl2 molecules for high-lying states of the vibrational quasi-continuum

A new approach to the spectroscopy of highly excited vibrational states of polyatomic molecules has been elaborated. The molecules of CrO₂Cl₂ were prepared in states with a vibrational energy of the ground electronic term A₁ of ≈ 19000 cm⁻¹ by means of internal conversion of electronic energy from the electronic state B₁ excited by laser radiation. The spectroscopy of the vibrationally excited molecules has been carried out in the region of the ν₆ and ν₁ bands with diode and CO₂ lasers. The fwhm of the obtained spectrum was ≈ 15 cm⁻¹. The intermode interaction in CrO₂Cl₂ has been theoretically analyzed, and the calculated spectrum compared with that measured experimentally. The time evolution of the spectrum of vibrationally excited CrO₂Cl₂ molecules has been studied. The average energy transferred per one collision with unexcited CrO₂Cl₂ molecules was equal to 〈δE〉 ≈ 1200 cm⁻¹.     

Electronic spectra and predissociation of jet-cooled CH3O and CH3O-Ar in the Ã2A1 state

The òA₁-X̃²E electronic spectrum of jet-cooled methoxy radical has been examined by the LIF technique. Two newly discovered vibrational bands of 2930 and 1390 cm⁻¹ are assigned to ν₁ (totally symmetric C-H stretching) and a degenerate ν₅ mode, respectively. The predissociation, CH₃O → CH₃ + O in the òA₁ state is newly elucidated and the threshold energy is deter- mined as 5100 cm⁻¹ from the potential minimum. For the CH₃O-Ar complex, the threshold energy is reduced by about 100 cm⁻¹.     

Laser Spectroscopy and Lifetime Measurements of the S1 State of Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) in a Cold Gas-Phase Free-Jet

The S₁ electronic state of 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) has been investigated by laser induced fluorescence (LIF), dispersed fluorescence (DF) spectroscopy, and lifetime measurements under jet-cooled conditions in the gas-phase. The LIF spectrum showed a weak origin band at 412.13 nm (24262 cm⁻¹) with prominent progression and combination bands involving vibrations of 327, 1098, and 2430 cm⁻¹. In addition, very strong bands appeared at ∼363.6 nm (3300 cm⁻¹ above the origin). Both the LIF and DF spectra indicate considerable geometric change in the S₁ state. The fluorescence lifetime of S₁ at zero-point level was obtained to be 220 ns. This lifetime is 40 times longer than the radiative lifetime estimated from the S₁−S₀ oscillator strength. Furthermore, the lifetimes of the vibronic bands exhibited drastic energy dependence, indicating a strong mixing with the triplet (T₁) or intramolecular charge-transfer (CT) state. This study is thought to disclose intrinsic nature of TCNQ, which has been well known as a component of organic semiconductors and a versatile p-type dopant.     

Absorption spectra of SiCl4, Si2Cl6, SiF3CH3 and GeF4 in the VUV region

In the range 110–200 nm the absorption features of Si₂Cl₆ closely resemble those of SiCl₄ and the peaks observed are tentatively assigned to the Rydberg transitions of a Cl lone-pair electron. Two diffuse bands in the SiF₃CH₃ absorption are also assigned to Rydberg excitations. The spectrum of GeF₄ shows a broad band considered to be a valence excitation of the outermost orbital. The emission of the SiCl₂ (ùB₁→X̃¹A₁) transition was found in the photoexcitation of Si₂Cl₆.     

Flash photolysis of SiBr4: the UV spectrum of SiBr2

In the flash photolysis of SiBr₄ both the absorption and the emission spectra corresponding to the B̃²Σ−X̃²Π transition of SiBr have been observed. A broad, structureless absorption band has also been detected in the 340–400 nm region which could be assigned to the hitherto unreported à ¹B₁−x̃ ¹A₁ transition of SiBr₂. The decay of both absorption spectra followed first-order kinetics yielding the pseudo-first-order rate constants: k(SiBr)=2.6 × 10⁴s⁻¹ and k(SiBr₂) = 8.9 × 10³⁻¹. Assuming that the principal reactions consuming these intermediates are SiBr+SiBr₄→Si₂Br₅ and SiBr₂+SiBr₄→ Si₂Br₆, the second-order rate constants have the values k(SiBr)= 9.7×10⁹ M⁻¹s⁻¹ and k(SiBr₂)= 3.3×10⁸M⁻¹s⁻¹.     

Gas phase reactions of SiF2 with F2 and Cl2

Reactions of SiF₂ radicals have been studied in a fast-flow system. Rate constants at 295 K of (4.7±0.3)×10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the reaction of SiF₂ + F₂, and (5.1±0.6)×10⁻¹³ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for SiF₂ + Cl₂ were obtained. No reaction was observed with O₂ and H₂. SiF₂ was detected by laser-induced fluorescence, and lifetime observations and an excitation spectrum are reported.     

Reactions of CF2 carbene with Br2, Cl2 and H2 studied by means of CO2 laser photolysis and infrared diode laser spectroscopy

Reactions of CF₂ carbene, generated by infrared CO₂ laser photolysis of CHClF₂, with Br₂, Cl₂ and H₂ were investigated using infrared diode laser spectroscopy. Absolute rate constants at about 550 K for the reactions with Br₂ and Cl₂ were found to be (2.7 ± 0.9) × 10⁻¹⁵and (3.5 ± 1.3) × 10⁻¹⁵ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. No reaction was observed with H₂.     

Laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy of van der Waals complexes of aniline with N2, H2, and CH4 formed in a supersonic free jet

The laser induced fluorescence spectra for the Ã(¹B₂)X̃(¹A₁) transition of van der Waals (vdW) complexes of aniline with N₂, H₂, and CH₄ have been observed. Based on the analysis of the rotational structure of the spectra, it is suggested that two vdW conformers exist for the N₂aniline complex though only one conformer is identified for the other complexes. In the electronically excited state of the CH₄aniline complex, energy level splittings are observed and attributed to the intramolecular rotation of CH₄.     

Different level of fluorescence in Raman spectra of montmorillonites

The paper presents the study of selected montmorillonite standards by Raman spectroscopy and microscopy supported by elemental analysis, X-ray powder diffraction analysis and thermal analysis. Dispersive Raman spectroscopy with excitation lasers of 532 nm and 780 nm, dispersive Raman microscopy with excitation laser of 532 nm and 100× magnifying lens, and Fourier Transform-Raman spectroscopy with excitation laser of 1064 nm were used for the analysis of four montmorillonites (Kunipia-F, SWy-2, STx-1b and SAz-2). These mineral standards differed mainly in the type of interlayer cation and substitution of octahedral aluminium by magnesium or iron. A comparison of measured Raman spectra of montmorillonite with regard to their level of fluorescence and the presence of characteristic spectral bands was carried out. Almost all measured spectra of montmorillonites were significantly affected by fluorescence and only one sample was influenced by fluorescence slightly or not at all. In the spectra of tested montmorillonites, several characteristic Raman bands were found. The most intensive band at 96 cm⁻¹ belongs to deformation vibrations of interlayer cations. The band at 200 cm⁻¹ corresponds to deformation vibrations of the AlO₆ octahedron and at 710 cm⁻¹ can be assigned to deformation vibrations of the SiO₄ tetrahedron. The band at 3620 cm⁻¹ corresponds to the stretching vibration of structural OH groups in montmorillonites.     

1064-nm-excited Fourier transform Raman studies of bacteriochlorophyll-a in solid films and in a blue-green mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

1064-nm-excited Fourier transform Raman spectra of bacteriochlorophyll-a (BChl) in various solid films and in chromatophores from a blue-green mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides have been obtained. The observed Raman spectra are free from high fluorescence backgrounds and sample degradation. The observed intensities seem to be enhanced because of a pre-resonant effect between the exciting radiation at 1064 nm and the Q_y absorption at 770–870 nm of BChl. The spectral features are substantially different from the Soret and Q_x resonance Raman spectra extensively investigated so far; several bands in the wavenumber region lower than 1200 cm⁻¹ are particularly enhanced in the Q_y pre-resonance Raman spectra. Bands due to both the C₂O and C₉O stretches appear at 1700–1620 cm⁻¹, providing structural information on these carbonyl groups. In the CC stretching region (1620–1490 cm⁻¹), the correlation between band positions and the co-ordination number of central magnesium, which was previously found in the Soret-excited Raman spectra, is preserved in the Q_y, pre-resonance Raman spectra as well. The relative intensities of strong bands in the 1200–1000 cm⁻¹ region appear to be useful for characterizing the BChl state. By using these advantages of the Q_y, pre-resonance Raman spectra, molecular interactions and arrangements of BChl in hydrated films and in the B870 light-harvesting complex of R. sphaeroides are discussed.     

Supercapacitors based on carbide-derived carbons synthesised using HCl and Cl2 as reactants

Micro- and mesoporous carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) were synthesised from TiC powder via a gas-phase reaction using HCl and Cl₂ within the temperature range of 700–1,100 °C. Analysis of X-ray diffraction results show that TiC-CDCs consist mainly of graphitic crystallites. The first-order Raman spectra showed the graphite-like absorption peaks at ~1,577 cm^?1 and the disorder-induced peaks at ~1,338 cm^?1. The low-temperature N₂ sorption experiments were performed, and specific surface areas up to 1,214 and 1,544 m²?g^?1 were obtained for TiC-CDC (HCl) synthesised at T?=?800 °C and TiC-CDC (Cl₂) synthesised at T?=?900 °C, respectively. For the TiC-CDC powders synthesised, a bimodal pore size distribution has been established with the first maximum in the region up to 1.5 nm and the second maximum from 2 to 4 nm. The energy-related properties of supercapacitors based on 1 M (C₂H₅)₃CH₃NBF₄ in acetonitrile and TiC-CDC (Cl₂) and TiC-CDC (HCl) as electrode materials were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic charge/discharge and constant power methods. The specific energy, calculated at U?=?3.0 V, are maximal for TiC-CDC (Cl₂ 800 °C) and TiC-CDC (HCl 900 °C), which are 43.1 and 31.1 W?h?kg^?1, respectively. The specific power, calculated at cell potential U?=?3.0 V, are maximal for TiC-CDC (Cl₂ 1,000 °C) and TiC-CDC (HCl 1,000 °C), which are 805.2 and 847.5 kW?kg^?1, respectively. The Ragone plots for CDCs prepared by using Cl₂ or HCl are quite similar, and at high power loads, the TiC-CDC material synthesised using Cl₂ at 900 °C, i.e. the material with optimal pore structure, delivers the highest power at constant energy.     

Copper trimer: a revised assignment of the upper state of the 5397 Å system

In light of recent fluorescence spectra obtained for the 5397 Å system of Cu₃, this system is reassigned as à ²A₁-X̃ ²E'. This assignment explains the observed bands without the need to invoke vibronic or Coriolis perturbations. It also accounts for the anomalous pattern of linewidths observed for the higher vibronic levels of the à ²A₁ state as unresolved splittings of the multiply excited doubly degenerate bending mode. The implications for the analysis of the ground state potential energy surfaces are discussed.     

Spectroscopic Characterization of Open-Shell Cations: Emission and Laser Excitation spectra of Rotationally Cooled CH3(CC)2X+, X = Cl,Br

Gas phase emission and laser excitation spectra of the òE?X?²E (Σ = +½, ?½) transition of rotationally/vibrationally cooled 1-chloro- and 1-bromo-1,3-pentadiyne cations have been obtained. The emission was excited by electron impact on a seeded helium supersonic free jet and the fluorescence by laser excitation of cations produced by Penning ionization and collisional relaxation. From these two sets of data the origin bands of the spin-orbit systems are located and for the bromo species this leads to better values of the spin-orbit splitttings in the two electronic states and of the first adiabatic ionization energy. The vibrational frequencies of many of the fundamentals of these cations in the X?²E and òE states have been obtained to within ±2 cm^?1.     

Vibrational anharmonicity and Fermi resonances in CHF2Cl

The infrared spectrum of CHF₂Cl has been recorded between 15 000 and 350 cm⁻¹. The Fermi resonance between levels involving ν₄ and 2ν₆ is analysed in bands extending from 800 cm⁻¹ to 7000 cm⁻¹ leading to a best value of k₄₆₆ = ± 14.98 cm⁻¹. In conjunction with the recent results of Amrein, Dubal and Quack, Molec. Phys. 56,727 (1985); estimates are reported for 38 out of 45 possible x_ij constants. A variation in the relative intensity of the two Q branches associated with ν₁, on cooling the gas cell, indicates that a hot band contributes to the upper branch at 3024.55 cm⁻¹. However, other evidence suggests that the latter arises also from the combination ν₂ + ν₇ + ν₉, in a very weak, close resonance with ν₁ at 3021.27 cm⁻. A number of anomalous band contours are reported.     

The emission spectrum of AsH2(Ã2A1 → X̃2B1) via uv photolysis of AsH3

The AsH₂(òA₁ → X̃²B₁) emission spectrum (402–650 nm) following ArF laser photolysis of AsH₃ is reported. Seven bands are assigned and the relation ν = 19928 + (868v'₂-3v'₂²)-(987v″₂-6v″₂²) is obtained. The AsH₂ (òA₁) radiative lifetime is 130 ± 20 ns. Emission spectra from nascent As and a multiphoton ionization signal were also obtained.