Electronic spectroscopy of jet-cooled YbNH3

Abstract

We report the first spectroscopic study of a complex consisting of a rare earth atom in combination with ammonia. Using two-color resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy, the lowest energy electronic transition of YbNH 3 has been found in the near-infrared. The spectrum arises from a spin-forbidden transition between the 1 A 1 ground electronic state and the lowest 3 E excited electronic state. The transition is metal centered and approximately correlates with the Yb 6s6p 3 P ← 6s 2 1 S transition. The observation of clear spin-orbit structure in the spectrum confirms the C 3v symmetry of YbNH 3 . Vibrational structure is also observed in the REMPI spectrum, which is dominated by excitation of the Yb-N stretching vibration.

Photoionization of Yb(NH3)n Complexes

“…[13] This electronic spectrum, of YbNH 3 , was obtained using resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. [13] This electronic spectrum, of YbNH 3 , was obtained using resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy.…”

“…In a recent study we have reported the first optical spectrum of a complex between a rare-earth metal atom and ammonia. [13] This electronic spectrum, of YbNH 3 , was obtained using resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy. The spectrum was found to arise from a spin-forbidden electronic transition localized on the rare-earth metal and the observation of clear spin-orbit sub-structure provided firm evidence that the complex adopts a geometry with C 3v symmetry, with the metal atom bonded directly to the N atom.…”