The ν2 bending vibrational structure of the X̃2Σ+ state of MgNC

We have generated MgNC in supersonic free jet expansions and observed the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) of the A?(2)Π-X?(2)Σ(+) transition. We measured the LIF dispersed spectra from the single vibronic levels of the A?(2)Π electronic state of MgNC, following excitation of each ν(2) bending vibronic band observed, i.e., the κ series of the (0,v(2)('),0)-(0,0,0), v(2)(') = 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 vibronic bands. In the vibrational structure in the dispersed fluorescence spectra measured, the long progression of the ν(2) bending mode in the X?(2)Σ(+) state is identified, e.g., up to v(2)(')=14 in the (0,6,0)-(0,v(2)('),0) spectrum. This enables us to derive the potential curve of the ν(2) bending mode in the X?(2)Σ(+) state. We used two kinds of models to obtain the potential curve; (I) the customary formula expressed in the polynomial series of the (v(2)(')+(d(2)/2)) term and (II) the internal rotation model. The potential curve derived from model (I) indicates the convergence of the bending vibrational levels at about 800 cm(-1) from the vibrationless level of MgNC, which may correspond to the barrier height of the isomerization reaction, MgNC ? MgCN, in the X?(2)Σ(+) state. Model (II) gives a simple picture for the isomerization reaction pathway with a barrier height of about 630 cm(-1) from the vibrationless level of the more stable species, MgNC. This shows that the v(2)(')=8 bending vibrational level of MgNC is already contaminated by the v(2)(')=2 bending vibrational level of the isomer, MgCN, and implies that the isomerization reaction begins at the v(2) (')=8 level. The bending potential surface and the isomerization reaction pathway, MgNC ? MgCN, in the X?(2)Σ(+) state are discussed by comparing the potential derived in this study with the surface obtained by quantum chemical calculation.     

The X1Σ+ ground state of kh near the dissociation limit

Fluorescence excited in the A¹Σ⁺ -X¹Σ⁺ system of ³⁹KH by the 4880 Å argon-ion laser line gives information about the ground state as far as the last bound rovibrational level. This is identified as J = 6 in v = 23, and, assuming a limit midway between J = 6 and J = 7, D_e(KH) = 14776 ± 4 cm⁻¹.     

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.     

Rotational analysis and deperturbation of the A2Π → X2Σ+ and B'2Σ+ → X2Σ+ emission spectra of MgH

Deperturbation analysis of the A(2)Π → X(2)Σ(+) and B(')(2)Σ(+) → X(2)Σ(+) emission spectra of (24)MgH is reported. Spectroscopic data for the v = 0 to 3 levels of the A (2)Π state and the v = 0 to 4 levels of the B'(2)Σ(+) state were fitted together using a single Hamiltonian matrix that includes (2)Π and (2)Σ(+) matrix elements, as well as off-diagonal elements coupling several vibrational levels of the two states. A Dunham-type fit was performed and the resulting Y(l,0) and Y(l,1) coefficients were used to generate Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potential curves for the A (2)Π and the B'(2)Σ(+) states. Vibrational overlap integrals were computed from the RKR potentials, and the off-diagonal matrix elements coupling the electronic wavefunctions (a(+) and b) were determined. Zero point dissociation energies (D(0)) of the A(2)Π and B'(2)Σ(+) states of (24)MgH were determined to be 12,957.5 ± 0.5 and 10,133.6 ± 0.5 cm(-1), respectively. Using the Y(0,1) coefficients, the equilibrium internuclear distances (r(e)) of the A(2)Π and B'(2)Σ(+) states were determined to be 1.67827(1) ? and 2.59404(4) A?, respectively.     

Experimental characterization of the CN X 2Σ+ + Ar and H2 potentials via infrared-ultraviolet double resonance spectroscopy

The hindered internal rotor states (n(K) = 0(0), 1(1), and 1(0)) of the CN-Ar complex with two quanta of CN stretch (v(CN) = 2), along with its ground state (v(CN) = 0), have been characterized by IR-UV double resonance and UV spectroscopy. Analysis of rotationally structured bands enable n(K) assignments and reveal perturbations due to Coriolis coupling between two closely spaced hindered rotor states, n(K) = 1(1) and 1(0). A deperturbation analysis is carried out to derive accurate rotational constants and their associated CN center-of-mass to Ar bond lengths as well as the magnitude of the coupling. The energetic ordering and spacings of the CN-Ar hindered rotor states provide a direct experimental probe of the angular dependence of the CN X (2)Σ(+) + Ar potential and permit radially averaged anisotropy parameters (V(10) = 5.2 cm(-1) and V(20) = 3.2 cm(-1)) to be determined. This analysis indicates a relatively flat potential about a linear N≡C-Ar configuration with a barrier to CN internal rotation of only ~12 cm(-1). The angular potentials determined from experiment and ab initio theory are in good accord, although theory predicts a higher barrier to CN internal rotation. A similar approach yields the infrared spectrum of H(2)-CN in the CN overtone region, which exhibits a rotationally resolved Σ ← Σ parallel band that is consistent with theoretical predictions for ortho-H(2)-CN.     

High-resolution Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy of the Coriolis coupled ground state and ν7 mode of ketenimine

High resolution FTIR spectra of the short lived species ketenimine have been recorded in the regions 390-1300 cm(-1) and 20-110 cm(-1) using synchrotron radiation. Two thousand six hundred sixty transitions of the ν(7) band centered at 693 cm(-1) and 126 far-IR rotational transitions have been assigned. Rotational and centrifugal distortion parameters for the ν(7) mode were determined and local Fermi and b-axis Coriolis interactions with 2ν(12) are treated. A further refinement of the ground state, ν(12) and ν(8) parameters was also achieved, including the treatment of previously unrecognized ac-axis and ab-axis second order perturbations to the ground state.     

Optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy of high vibrational levels of the Na2 A 1Σu+ state in a molecular beam

High vibrational bands of the Na₂ A-X system are investigated in a molecular beam by two-step excitation at separate interaction regions. With a first laser A-state levels are optically pumped; they decay radiatively and populate high vibrational levels of the ground state (e.g. υ′' = 31). A second laser excitation starting from these prepared levels allows the investigation of high vibrational levels of the A state, for example υ′ = 66, 67, 68, 69 and υ′ = 70. From analysis of the υ′ = 66, …, 70-υ′' = 31 bands we obtain B(υ) and G(υ) and, including the data of others, we determined a new RKR potential curve for the A ¹Σ_u⁺ state, extending the experimentally determined potential from υ′ = 44 to υ′ = 70 (78% of the well depth).     

The predissociation of Li2 b3Πu by a3Σ+u

⁶Li₂ 1³Δ_g(F₁) → b³Π_u(F₁v = 0–11) rotationally resolved fluorescence spectra are recorded following perturbation-facilitated optical—optical double resonance excitation of 1³Δ_g via spin—orbit mixed A¹Σ⁺_u ∼ b³Π_u(F₁e) intermediate levels. The f-symmetry Λ-components of b³Π_u(F₁) are broadened above the 0.05 cm⁻¹ detection threshold owing to predissociation by the vibrational continuum of the a³Σ⁺_u state. The observed v = 0–11, N = 31f level widths were used to determine the potential energy curve for the Li₂ a³Σ⁺_u state in the region 2.35 < R < 2.60 Å and 11200 < E < 14900 cm⁻¹ (relative to E = 0 at the minimum of X¹Σ⁺_g). The a³Σ⁺_u ∼ b³Π_u curve crossing is at R = 2.57 Å and E = 11246 cm⁻¹ and the electronic part of the − BN·LL-uncoupling matrix element is 〈b Π¦L⁺ ¦aΣ〉 = 1.216H at an R-centroid Rv_bϵ_a = 2.61Å.     

Prediction of the rovibrational emission spectroscopy of B2Σ(+)-X2Σ(+) system in 12C17O+

An analytical formula based on the Herzberg's conventional rovibrational energy levels for diatomic system is proposed by taking multiple differences of spectral lines to predict the R-branch high-lying rovibrational emission spectroscopy, where only 15 accurate known transition lines and rotational constants D(v'), D(v') are needed. Using the formula, the R(11ee) and R(22ff) branches of (0, 2) and (0, 3) transition bands in the B(2)Σ(+)-X(2)Σ(+) system of (12)C(17)O(+) are studied. The results show that not only the relatively lower order rovibrational transition lines given by experiments are reproduced but also the higher and the absent spectral lines are correctly predicted for each band.     

The potential energy curves and probability density distributions of the X1Σ+ and A1Σ+ states of RBH

The potential energy curves PMO—RKR—van der Waals of the electronic A¹Σ⁺ and X₁Σ⁺ states of RbH have been determined. The potentials obtained are self-consistent with the experimental data because they have been tested by direct numerical solution of the radial Schrödinger equation. From exact vibrational eigenfunctions probability density distributions and Franck—Condon factors have been calculated over the range of vibrational levels observed. It is observed that the anomalous behaviour of the A¹Σ⁺ state arises in the υ′ = 1, 2 and 3 levels with probability density functions similar to those of a harmonic oscillator.     

The state energy and the displacements of the potential minima of the 2Ag− state in all-trans-β-carotene as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy

The fluorescence spectrum of all-trans-β-carotene was recorded at 170 K. The 1B_u⁺ → 1A_g⁻ fluorescence exhibited clear vibrational structures constituting a mirror image with those of the 1B_u⁺ ← 1A_g⁻ absorption, and the deconvolution of the entire spectrum identified the 2A_g⁻(0) → 1A_g⁻(0) transition at 14 500 cm⁻¹. The displacements of the 1B_u⁺ and 2A_g⁻ potential minima along ν₁ and ν₂ (the CC stretching and C–C stretching normal coordinates, respectively) were determined to be 1.2 and 0.9, and 1.6 and 1.5, respectively. Thus, much larger potential displacements in the 2A_g⁻ state than in the 1Bu⁺ state have been shown.     

A comparison between the potential energy curves for the X1Σg+ state of H2 and D2

The electronic potential for the ground state of H₂ and D₂, molecules has been calculated from spectroscopic molecular constants. Numerical integration of the radial wave equation gives accurate self-consistent values (an eigenvalue mean deviation of about 1 cm⁻¹). A comparison between different potentials is reported.     

Degradation of passive layers of iron studied by conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy

Integral electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (ICEMS) and additionally some electrochemical methods were used to characterize the passivation process of iron (low carbon steel) in sulfate, sulfate+sulfite (a possible model solution of acid rain) solutions and in phospate buffer. The phase compositions and thicknesses of the passive layers formed due to the electrochemical polarizations were analyzed in dependence on the duration of the anodic passivations and on the pH of the used electrolytes. The passive layer, as determined from the Mössbauer spectra, consists mainly of -FeOOH, however in sulfite containing sulfate aqueous solution at pH 3.5 Fe₃C and despite ex-situ circumstances FeSO₄·H₂O was detected after the shortest polarization time. The film thickness, which was found to grow nearly linearly with polarization time in pure sulfate solution and in phospate buffer, reached a maximum of 60–160 nm (depending on pH) in sulfate+sulfite solution after a passivation time of about 4 hours. It has been proved, that HSO₃ ^–-ion, which is contained by acid rain, initiate pit formation under acid conditions and so enforces the corrosion of iron. The experimental results furthermore suggest, that not the whole oxidic layer is responsible for the passivity but only a very thin intermediate layer formed between an inner oxide layer of a cubic structure and the rhombic oxide (-FeOOH) cover.     

(2+1) REMPI of NO via the D 2Σ+ state: rotational branching ratios

Recent photoelectron spectroscopic studies in a (2 + 1) REMPI of NO via the Rydberg D²Σ⁺ state have revealed anomalous ionic rotational branching ratios. We have performed ab initio calculations of these branching ratios and find that the molecular nature of the ionization continuum plays an essential role in the dynamics. Even though the bound orbital is very atomic-like (⪢ 98% p-like), the photoelectron continuum wavefunction is quite sensitive to the non-spherical nature of the molecular ionic potential and causes a strong persistence of the p-partial wave which, in turn, leads to a large ΔN = 0 peak.     

Host�Cguest association studied by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) is a powerful single molecule technique for the study of the stability and the association dynamics of supramolecular systems and, in particular, of host?Cguest inclusion complexes. With FCS the host?Cguest binding equilibrium constant is determined analysing the variation in the diffusion coefficient of the fluorescent guest or host with no need for a change in the photophysical properties of the fluorescent probe. FCS gives also access to the association/dissociation rate constants of the host?Cguest inclusion providing that the fluorescence intensity of host or guest changes upon complexation. These rate constants can be compared with that of a diffusion-controlled process estimated from the same FCS experiment allowing for a better understanding of the association dynamics. The results show that cyclodextrin cavities act as ??hard?? cages which put geometric and orientational restrictions on the inclusion of a hydrophobic guest, whereas micelles behave as ??soft?? cages without geometrical requirements. In our contribution to this special issue we review briefly the application of FCS to the study of host?Cguest inclusion complexes with an emphasis on practical aspects and relevant bibliographic references.     

Intramolecular 2pπ* → 3dπ charge transfer in the excited state of phenyldisilane studied by picosecond and nanosecond laser spectroscopy

Intramolecular 2pπ^* → 3dπ charge transfer in the excited state of phenyldisilane occurs very rapidly (<10 ps) both in MP at 293 K and in EPA glass at 77 K. At room temperature a long-lived 425 nm transient (which is assigned to a rearranged intermediate) is produced with a rise time of 30 ps, showing that the transient formation proceeds via the ¹(2pπ,3dπ) CT state.