High-resolution UV photoelectron spectroscopy of diatomic halogens

Diatomic halogens are studied with UV photoelectron spectroscopy using new techniques to preserve high resolution even for reactive species. For the first time vibrational structure is observed on the ²Π_u,i (i = ^1/2,^3/2) states (F₂⁺, Cl₂⁺), the ²Σ_g⁺ states (F₂⁺, Cl₂⁺) and the Br₂⁺ (²Π_{u,$\text{3}\text{2}$}) state. On the ²Π_u,i states (F₂⁺, Cl₂⁺, Br₂⁺) spin-orbit splitting is resolved. Indications for a small potential barrier on the F₂⁺ (²Π_u,i) state for large internuclear distances are found. A new value for the spin-orbit splitting of the Cl₂⁺(²Π_g) state is presented (= ?725 cm^?1). The complementary nature of optical emission and photoelectron spectroscopy for small ions is demonstrated leading to a more complete picture of the F₂⁺ (²Π_u,i) and Cl₂⁺ (²Π_u,i) ionic states.