Laser spectroscopy of the A[16.4]8.5-X7.5, A[16.4]8.5-Y[0.15]8.5, and A[16.4]8.5-Z[0.85]7.5 transitions of dysprosium monochloride

Laser-induced fluorescence spectra have been obtained at low resolution using a laser ablation source and pulsed dye laser, and at high resolution using a Broida oven and cw ring dye laser. Dispersed fluorescence spectra from two different excited states, A[16.4]8.5 and B[15.4]Ω (unknown Ω) (the states are labelled [10⁻³T₀]Ω according to their energy and Ω assignment) showed transitions to the same four low lying electronic states, X7.5, Y[0.15]8.5, Z[0.85]7.5, and an unassigned state at 970 cm⁻¹. High resolution excitation spectra of the A-X 0-0, A-Y 0-0 and 0-1, and A-Z 0-0 and 0-1 transitions were obtained and a global fit to all the data yielded rotational constants for both ¹⁶²Dy³⁵Cl and ¹⁶⁴Dy³⁵Cl. From the band origins, vibrational frequencies of 291 and 284 cm⁻¹ were obtained for the Y[0.15]8.5 and Z[0.85]7.5 states, respectively, suggesting that these two states originate from the Dy⁺(4f¹⁰6s)Cl⁻ configuration. The ¹⁶²Dy-¹⁶⁴Dy and ³⁵Cl-³⁷Cl isotope effects were studied and both indicated a ground state, X7.5, vibrational frequency of ∼230 cm⁻¹ which was reinforced by the observation, in dispersed fluorescence from the B[15.4] state, of a weak transition to a state 233 cm⁻¹ above the ground state. The observed electronic states and their configurational origin are discussed in terms of ligand field theory predictions.     

Laser spectroscopy of the B[17.7]8-X8 and C[19.3]9-X8 transitions of holmium monochloride

Several new transitions of holmium monochloride (HoCl) have been studied at high resolution using laser excitation spectroscopy. Two main transitions, B[17.7]8-X8 and C[19.3]9-X8 have been observed and five bands, 0-0, 0-1, 1-0, 1-1, and 2-1 of the B-X transition and three bands, 0-0, 0-1, and 0-3 of the C-X transition have been obtained at high resolution and rotationally analyzed. Among several low lying states observed in dispersed fluorescence was a strong transition from the C state to a state ∼2140 cm⁻¹ above the ground state. Excitation spectra of this transition have shown that there are apparently two states, ∼6 cm⁻¹ apart. Comparison with ligand field theory calculations are consistent with assigning these states to the excited low lying Ho⁺(4f¹¹6s)Cl⁻ configuration. Several other low lying electronic states have been observed in dispersed fluorescence spectra. Although their assignments could not be established, their energies suggest that they are from the Ho⁺(4f¹⁰6s²)Cl⁻ or Ho⁺(4f¹¹6s)Cl⁻ configurations. Rotational constants have been obtained for the B[17.7]8 and C[19.3]9 states and have been used to speculate on the possible electron configurations for these states.     

Laser spectroscopy of the B[21.68]8-X8, B′[21.65]8-X8 and C[22.3]7-X27 transitions of holmium monofluoride

The spectrum of holmium monofluoride (HoF) in the blue (420-480 nm) region has been studied using laser-induced fluorescence. Previous work [J. Phys. B 7 (1974) L234] had assigned several bands in this region to the B8-X8 transition. By obtaining wavelength selected laser excitation spectra at high resolution and rotationally analyzing seven bands in this region, we have shown that not all the bands previously assigned to the B8-X8 system belong to the same electronic transition and have identified three separate transitions which we have labelled B8-X8, B′8-X8, and C7-X₂7. Preliminary low resolution dispersed fluorescence spectra have shown several excited states at energies greater than 4000 cm⁻¹ above the ground state and, though not all could be assigned, ligand field theory calculations are consistent with assigning them to the first excited spin-orbit component of the Ho⁺(4f¹⁰6s²)F⁻ ground state configuration or to the first excited configuration, Ho⁺(4f¹¹6s)F⁻. The results of the dispersed fluorescence experiments also tentatively place the X₂7 state at ∼70 cm⁻¹ above the ground X7 state.     

A study of the AΠ-XΣ and BΣ-XΣ band systems of scandium monosulfide, ScS, using Fourier transform emission spectroscopy and laser excitation spectroscopy

Emission spectra of the A²Π_3/2-X²Σ⁺ (0, 1), (0, 0), and (1, 0) bands and the B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺ (0, 1), (0, 0), (1, 0), (2, 0), and (3, 1) bands of ScS have been recorded in the 10 000-13 500 cm⁻¹ region at a resolution of 0.05 cm⁻¹ using a Fourier transform (FT) spectrometer. The A²Π_r-X²Σ⁺ (1, 0) band as well as the B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺ (0, 0) and (1, 0) bands have been recorded at high resolution (±0.001 cm⁻¹) by laser excitation spectroscopy using a supersonic molecular beam source. The FT spectral features range up to N = 148, while those recorded with the laser cover the “low-N” regions. The lines recorded with the laser exhibit splittings due to the ⁴⁵Sc (I = 7/2) magnetic hyperfine interactions, which are large (∼6.65 GHz) in the X²Σ⁺ state and much smaller in the B²Σ⁺ and A²Π states. The energy levels were modeled using a traditional ‘effective’ Hamiltonian approach, and improved spectroscopic constants were extracted and compared with previous determinations and theoretical predictions.     

Infrared emission studies of the AΣ-XΠ electronic transition of the SiC radical

The gas phase infrared emission spectrum of the A³Σ⁻-X³Π electronic transition of SiC has been observed using a high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. Three bands ν′ − ν″ = 0-1, 0-0, and 1-0 have been observed in the 2770, 3723, and 4578 cm⁻¹ regions, where the 0-1 and 0-0 bands were observed for the first time. The SiC radical was generated by a dc discharge in a flowing mixture of hexamethyl disilane [(CH₃)₆Si₂] and He. A total of 1074 rotational transitions assigned to the 0-1, 0-0, and 1-0 bands have been combined in a simultaneous analysis with previously reported pure rotational data to determine the molecular constants for SiC in the two electronic states. The principal equilibrium molecular constants for the A³Σ⁻ state are: B_e = 0.6181195(18) cm⁻¹, α_e = 0.0051921(20) cm⁻¹, r_e = 1.8020884(26) Å, and T_e = 3773.31(17) cm⁻¹, with one standard deviation given in parentheses. The effect of a perturbation was recognized between the ν = 4 level of X³Π and the ν = 0 level of A³Σ, and the analysis was carried out to determine the interaction parameter between the two states.     

Spectroscopy of nickel chloride: Identification of the [15.0] Π3/2 and [15.0] Δ5/2 states

Vibrational bands belonging to the [15.0] ²Δ_5/2-A²Δ_5/2, [15.0] ²Δ_5/2-X²Π_3/2, and [15.0] ²Π_3/2-X²Π_3/2 electronic transitions of NiCl have been observed in the 14 000-16 000 cm⁻¹ region. The [15.0] ²Δ_5/2 and [15.0] ²Π_3/2 states are identified for the first time. The observed bands have been recorded at high spectral resolution using several techniques, which include intracavity laser spectroscopy (ILS), Fourier transform emission spectroscopy (FTS), and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy. For the ILS absorption spectra, NiCl molecules were produced in a nickel hollow cathode operated with a small amount of CCl₄. For the FTS emission spectra, excited NiCl molecules were produced in a King-type carbon tube furnace loaded with NiCl₂ and heated to 1600 °C. In the LIF work, NiCl molecules were produced by reacting laser-ablated nickel with PCl₃ seeded in argon. Detailed analysis of rotational transition lines indicates that the observed [15.0] ²Δ_5/2 and [15.0] ²Π_3/2 states are only separated by 10 cm⁻¹ and are interacting with each other. Molecular constants for these newly observed electronic states are reported.     

The bΣ(b0) → XΣ(X10,X21) and aΔ(a2) → X21 transitions of AsBr

Emission spectra of the b¹Σ⁺(b0⁺) → X³Σ⁻(X₁0⁺,X₂1) and a¹Δ(a2) → X₂1 transitions of AsBr have been measured in the near-infrared spectral region with a Fourier-transform spectrometer. The arsenic bromide radicals were generated in fast-flow systems by reaction of arsenic vapor (As_x) with bromine and were excited by microwave-discharged oxygen. The most prominent features in the spectrum are the Δv = +1,0,−1, and −2 band sequences of the b¹Σ⁺(b0⁺) → X³Σ⁻(X₁0⁺) transition in the range 11 700-12 700 cm⁻¹. With lower intensities, the Δv = 0 and −1 sequences of the b¹Σ⁺(b0⁺) → X³Σ⁻(X₂1) sub-system show up in the same range. Further to the red, between 6000 and 6700 cm⁻¹, the Δv = 0, +1, and −1 sequences of the hitherto unknown a¹Δ(a2) → X₂1 transition are observed. Analyses of medium- and high-resolution spectra have yielded improved molecular constants for the X₁0⁺, X₂1, and b0⁺ states and first values of the electronic energy and the vibrational constants of the a2 state.     

Rotational analysis of the (4, 8) band in the A-X system of Cl2

Thirty-four rovibronic spectral lines of the Ω=1/2 component of the (4, 8) band in the A-X system of ³⁵Cl₂⁺ were observed in the range of 16,940-17,010 cm⁻¹, employing optical heterodyne-enhanced velocity modulation spectroscopy. Nonlinear least-squares fitting the effective Hamiltonians results in precise band origin and other molecular constants of the levels involved.     

Fourier transform emission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations on WO

Emission spectra of WO have been observed in the 4000-35 000 cm⁻¹ region using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Molecules were produced by exciting a mixture of WCl₆ vapor and He in a microwave discharge lamp. A ³Σ⁻ state has been assigned as the ground state of WO based on a rotational analysis of the observed bands and ab initio calculations. After rotational analysis, a majority of strong bands have been classified into three groups. Most of the transitions belonging to the first group have an Ω = 0⁺ state as the lower state while the bands in the second group have an Ω′′ = 1 state as the lower state. These two lower states have been assigned as X0⁺ and X1 spin components of the X³Σ⁻ ground state of WO. The third group consists of additional bands interconnected by common vibrational levels involving some very low-lying states. The spectroscopic properties of the low-lying electronic states have been predicted from ab initio calculations. The details of the rotational analysis are presented and an attempt has been made to explain the experimental observations in the light of the ab initio results.     

High-resolution infrared spectra of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane

Infrared spectra of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (C₅H₈) have been recorded at a resolution (0.0015 cm⁻¹) sufficient to resolve for the first time individual rovibrational lines. This initial report presents the ground state constants for this molecule determined from the detailed analysis of three of the ten infrared-allowed bands, ν₁₄(e′) at 540 cm⁻¹, ν₁₇ (a₂″) at 1220 cm⁻¹, ν₁₈(a₂″) at 832 cm⁻¹, and a partial analysis of the ν₁₁(e′) band at 1237 cm⁻¹. The upper states of transitions involving the lowest frequency mode, ν₁₄(e′), show no evidence of rovibrational perturbations but those for the ν₁₇ and ν₁₈ (a₂″) modes give clear indication of Coriolis coupling to nearby e′ levels. Accordingly, ground state constants were determined by use of the combination-difference method for all three bands. The assigned frequencies provided over 3300 consistent ground state difference values, yielding the following constants for the ground state (in units of cm⁻¹): B₀ = 0.2399412(2), D_J = 6.024(6) × 10⁻⁸, D_JK = −1.930(21) × 10⁻⁸. For the unperturbed ν₁₄(e′) fundamental, more than 3500 transitions were analyzed and the band origin was found to be at 540.34225(2) cm⁻¹. The numbers in parentheses are the uncertainties (two standard deviations) in the values of the constants. The results are compared with those obtained previously for [1.1.1]propellane and with those computed at the ab initio anharmonic level using the B3LYP density functional method with a cc-pVTZ basis set.     

An analysis of the rotational, fine and hyperfine effects in the (0, 0) band of the AΠ-XΣ transition of manganese monohydride, MnH

High-resolution (±0.003 cm⁻¹), laser induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of a supersonic molecular beam sample of manganese monohydride, MnH, have been recorded in the 17500-17800 cm⁻¹ region of the (0, 0) band of the A⁷Π-X⁷Σ ⁺ system. The low-N branch features were modeled successfully by inclusion of the magnetic hyperfine mixings of spin components within a given low-N rotational level using a traditional ‘effective’ Hamiltonian approach. An improved set of spectroscopic constants has been extracted and compared with those from previous analyses. The optimum optical features for future optical Stark and Zeeman measurements are identified.     

The AE-XA1 System of CaOCH3

We have recorded laser excitation spectra of the CaOCH₃ free radical in a laser ablation molecular beam apparatus, at a spectral resolution of about 0.010 cm⁻¹ and a rotational temperature estimated at 15 K. The two spin-orbit components of the A²E-X²A₁ 0₀⁰ origin band between 625 and 630 nm have been analyzed. Five main subbands were revealed, with ΔK=+1 and K″=0,±1,±2. There was clear evidence of lambda-doubling in the A²E_1/2-X²A₁ 0₀⁰ (F′₁) K′=+1←K″=0 component. A nonlinear least-squares fitting program based on the model developed by Endo et al. [Y. Endo, S. Saito, and E. Hirota, J. Chem. Phys.81, 122-135 (1984)] fit the experimental data (514 A-X lines, N″≤37) with a root mean square deviation of 0.003 cm⁻¹, using known molecular constants of the ground state. The main vibronic (T₀=15 925.1232(5) cm⁻¹), spin-orbit (aζ_ed=66.974 48(51) cm⁻¹), Coriolis (Aζ_t=5.437 30(24)) cm⁻¹, rotational (A=5.439 97(24) cm⁻¹, B=0.117 884(2) cm⁻¹), and fine structure constants (ε₁=−8.208(14)×10⁻³ cm⁻¹, h₁=1.50(12)×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹, ε_aa=3.58(89)×10⁻³ cm⁻¹, ε_bc=3.20(76)×10⁻³ cm⁻¹) for the excited state have been obtained.     

Intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy of platinum fluoride, PtF

Two vibrational bands of an electronic transition of PtF occurring at 11 940 cm⁻¹ and 12 496 cm⁻¹ were recorded and analyzed. These transitions are identified as the (0,0) and (1,0) bands of an [11.9] Ω = 3/2 − XΩ = 3/2 electronic transition. Gas phase PtF was produced in a copper hollow cathode lined with platinum foil using a trace amount of SF₆, and the spectrum was recorded at Doppler resolution by intracavity laser absorption spectroscopy. This work represents the first published spectroscopic data on PtF. Molecular constants for the ground and excited electronic states are presented.     

Vibrational and rotational analyses of bands between 636 and 660 nm in the red system of CuCl2

The long wavelength end of the electronic spectrum of CuCl₂, between 636 and 660 nm, has been recorded in the gas phase by laser-excitation spectroscopy using a sample prepared at low temperatures (ca. 10 K) in a free-jet expansion. Under these conditions, it is possible to resolve vibrational, rotational, and even Cu hyperfine structure. The (0, 0) band of the E²Π_u-X²Π_g transition has been identified with an origin at 15546.286(3) cm⁻¹ for ⁶³Cu³⁵Cl₂. The observation and analysis of bands involving vibrationally excited levels has allowed the determination of all three vibrational intervals for the E²Π_u state (ν₁ = 335.88 cm⁻¹, ν₂ = 112.42 cm⁻¹, and ν₃ = 482.17 cm⁻¹, ⁶³Cu³⁵Cl₂). In addition, two other, unrelated transitions have been identified in the same narrow wavelength region. This, combined with the observation of local perturbations of the rotational structure in various bands, reveals the presence of other closely lying electronic states in the same energy region.     

High-resolution study of the bΣ(b0)→XΣ(X10) transition of PI

Emission spectra of the b¹Σ⁺(b0⁺)→X³Σ⁻(X₁0⁺) transition of phosphorus iodide have been measured with a high-resolution Fourier-transform spectrometer. The PI radicals were generated and excited in a fast-flow system by reaction of phosphorus vapor (P_x) with iodine and microwave-discharged oxygen. Four sequences, Δv=0,+1,−1,−2, of the b¹Σ⁺(b0⁺)→X³Σ⁻(X₁0⁺) transition of PI comprising 28 bands were observed. Six bands were measured at high spectral resolution. Vibrational and rotational analyses have yielded accurate spectroscopic constants of the X₁0⁺ and b0⁺ states (in cm⁻¹): X₁0⁺: ω_e=371.296(4), ω_ex_e=1.3302(9), B_e=0.1194117(2), α_B=−0.0005676(7), D_e=4.56(2) ×10⁻⁸; b0⁺: T_e=11136.921(4), ω_e=400.165(6), ω_ex_e=1.345(2), B_e=0.1239237(2), α_B=−0.0005540(2), D_e=4.84(5) × 10⁻⁸, where the numbers in parentheses are the standard deviations of the parameters. No emissions of the b0⁺→X₂1 sub-system nor of the a¹Δ(a2)→X³Σ⁻(X₂1) transition have been observed leaving PI the only group Va halide for which the spin splitting in the X³Σ⁻ ground state is still unknown.     

Molecular material—{N(n-C4H9)4[Ni(II)0.5 Fe(II)0.5 Fe(III)(C2O4)3]}∞: Magnetic, Mössbauer and electrical conductivity studies

We have attempted to characterize the magnetic and electrical properties of a new mixed-metal molecular material {NBu₄[Ni(II)_0.5Fe(II)_0.5Fe(III)(ox)₃]}_N synthesized by the use of trioxalatoferrate as the building block. Mössbauer spectroscopy was utilized in order to understand local spin structures in this compound. The results indicate that the compound is a semiconducting ferrimagnet with T_N=30 K and room temperature conductivity of 6×10⁻¹⁵ Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ along with 1.8 eV activation energy under dark. The compound has no appreciable electrical response towards illumination.     

Interactions between vibrational polyads of propyne, H3CCCH: Rotational and rovibrational spectroscopy of the levels around 1000 cm

The study of vibration resonance physics in propyne is based on experimental measurements of about 600 new rotational transitions between 495-590 and 700-760 GHz in excited vibrational levels v₅ = 1, v₈ = 1, v₁₀ = 3 and v₉ = v₁₀ = 1 with vibrational energies around 1000 cm⁻¹. The limits to the assignments and analysis were imposed by as yet unresolved anharmonic resonances with the states of the next higher polyad of levels lying above 1200 cm⁻¹, which affect the rotational states involved in transitions that would be measurable with non-vanishing intensities. Vibration-rotation spectra pertaining to the levels in question were studied in the regions 880-1150 cm⁻¹ (the ν₅ and ν₈ fundamental bands), 550-750 cm⁻¹ (the v₉ = v₁₀ = 1 ← v₁₀ = 1 hot bands) and 250-400 cm⁻¹ (the v₁₀ = 3 ← v₁₀ = 2 “superhot” bands). A simultaneous least-squares fit of both types of data provides their reliable but in the case of accurate rotational data not always fully quantitative reproduction.     

Deperturbation of DΠ v = 4 level of ScF molecule: Characterization of the Π perturber from analyses of DΠ-XΣ 4-2 and DΠ-AΔ 4-4 LIF transitions

High resolution emission spectra of ScF molecule have been observed in the region of 21 120-21 300 cm⁻¹ and of 15 640-15 710 cm⁻¹. The rotational structures in 4-2 band of D¹Π-X¹Σ⁺ and in 4-4 band of D¹Π-A¹Δ were assigned. Rotational analysis reveals the presence of localized perturbations in the upper state D¹Π v = 4 level at different values of J for the two parity sublevels, e and f. These perturbations are interpreted as the consequence of a spin-orbit interaction between D¹Π state and a triplet state of ³Π symmetry. A matrix model describing the energies within the two interacting levels, has been used to fit term-values. Spectroscopic constants are obtained for A¹Δ v = 4, D¹Π v = 4 and for the ³Π perturbing level. The magnitude of the spin-orbit interaction is estimated.     

High resolution infrared spectroscopy of [1.1.1]propellane

The infrared spectrum of [1.1.1]propellane has been recorded at high resolution (0.002 cm⁻¹) with individual rovibrational lines resolved for the first time. This initial report presents the ground state constants for this molecule determined from the analysis of five of the eight infrared-allowed fundamentals ν₉(e′), ν₁₀(e′), ν₁₂(e′), , as well as of several combination bands. In nearly all cases it was found that the upper states of the transitions exhibit some degree of perturbation but, by use of the combination difference method, the assigned frequencies provided over 4000 consistent ground state difference values. Analysis of these gave for the parameters of the ground state the following values, in cm⁻¹: B₀ = 0.28755833(14), D_J = 1.1313(5) × 10⁻⁷, D_JK = −1.2633(7) × 10⁻⁷, H_J = 0.72(4) × 10⁻¹³, H_JK = −2.24(13) × 10⁻¹³, and H_KJ = 2.25(15) × 10⁻¹³, where the numbers in parentheses indicate twice the uncertainties in the last quoted digit(s) of the parameters. Gaussian ab initio calculations, especially with the computed anharmonic corrections to some of the spectroscopic parameters, assisted in the assignments of the bands and also provided information on the electron distribution in the bridge-head carbon-carbon bond.     

New analysis of the Comet-Tail (AΠi − XΣ) system in the CO isotopic molecule

The emission spectra of the 0-2, 4-2, and 6-1 bands of the Comet-Tail (A²Π_i − X²Σ⁺) system in the ¹⁴C¹⁶O⁺ isotopic molecule, comprising nearly 600 lines, have been recorded and analyzed for the first time. The spectra have been photographed under high resolution by using conventional spectroscopy, and it was possible to separate and observe most of the lines of all the 12 branches of this transition. The reduction of the individual bands’ spectra has been performed by nonlinear least-squares procedure and by means of effective Hamiltonians of Brown et al. the rovibronic structure parameters have been obtained. The currently investigated bands of the Comet-Tail system and the earlier analyzed bands of the A − X and B − A systems in the ¹⁴C¹⁶O⁺ molecule have been merged together. The results of this global fit made it possible to derive a new set of the equilibrium molecular constants for the A and X states. Then the RKR potential curve parameters for both A and X states and Franck-Condon factors as well as r-centroids for the A − X transition have been calculated for the ¹⁴C¹⁶O⁺ molecule.