Laser spectroscopy and ab initio studies of metal-containing free radicals

This work describes the use of laser spectroscopy and ab initio calculations in the investigation of several new electronic transitions in metal-containing free radicals. These free radicals were prepared in a supersonic jet by laser ablation of solid metal samples in the presence of appropriate precursor molecules. The first spectroscopic observation of the Ga-N2 van der Waals cluster is reported. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra have revealed two strong band systems in the near ultraviolet correlating with transitions of atomic gallium. New electronic transitions of the CaNC and SrNC free radicals have been identified in the near ultraviolet. Spin-orbit and vibrational structure have been seen in spectra of SrCCH and SrCCD and confirmed the assignment. Observation of a new transition in an unidentified gallium-containing molecule is reported. (author)