Infrared spectroscopy for the identification of modes of vibration in a temporary HeNe molecule

The adiabatic electronic molecular potentials for a HeNe(2p53p) system are calculated using a model potential initially proposed by Hennecart and Masnou-Seeuws (1985 J. Phys. B. At. Mol. Phys. 18 657) and later improved for internuclear distances smaller than 5.6a0 by Bahrim et al (1997 Phys. Rev. A 56 1305). Several bonding and anti-bonding electronic states are found. The existence of several deep potential wells below 6a0 suggests that helium and neon atoms could form a temporary molecule. The most convincing evidence for the formation of a molecular structure is the identification of modes of vibration. By solving a time-independent Schroedinger equation for the nuclear motion during a thermal collision between helium and Ne*(2p53p) atoms with a Morse potential model, several modes of vibration within several electronic potential wells are identified. For the experimental testing of our predictions, a set of vibrational-electronic transitions between modes of vibration are identified and analysed. Infrared photo-absorption spectroscopy can be used to excite the modes of vibration of a HeNe(2p53p) temporary molecule. The population of the neon atoms after collision and absorption of infrared photons is analysed