Vibronic spectra of matrix-isolated lead sulfide

Vibronic spectra are reported for lead sulfide in argon, krypton and SF₆ matrices at low temperatures. Emission stimulated by laser line irradiation of PbS is observed from the v′ = 0 level of three electronic states lying at about 14 500, 18 500 and 21 500 cm^?1 above the ground state. Emission is also observed from an excited state of Pb₂S₂ at about 17 000 cm^?1. In addition, the laser radiation gives rise to the vibrational Raman spectrum of PbS in argon at 423.2 cm^?1 and to a very weak Raman band at 297 ± 2 cm^?1 which we attribute to Pb₂S₂.The effects of temperature on the matrix spectra, of matrix material on the band origins, and of matrix concentration on the vibrational relaxation process, and the apparent degrees of coupling among the electronic states have all been examined. The electronic absorption spectrum of PbS in Ar is reported and the matrix data are compared with available information on gaseous PbS.