Single molecular isotope absorption-spectra

Specific reactivity of molecules can be induced by tuning sharp laser lines to particular molecular transitions. The wavelengths for these transitions are usually obtained by measuring the molecular absorption spectrum. Upon isotopic substitution these absorption bands are known to undergo spectral shifts. However, the magnitude of such a shift can in general not be predicted. Hence an experimental method for determining these shifts becomes essential. In the normal absorption spectrum such transitions due to isotopic isomers are usually not seen as they are obscured by the far more preponderant isomer. A method is presented to find the molecular transitions of isotopic isomers. This is of great importance in developing an efficient molecular isotope separation scheme. (KBE)