Study of the LiZn excimer: Blue–green bands

Abstract

We performed a study of the LiZn excimer formed in the photochemical reaction of Li2(C 1Πu) with Zn(4 1S0). The Li2(C 1Πu) molecules were prepared by excitation with either a dye laser in the region from 348 to 377 nm or an excimer laser at 308 nm. We observed bound–free emission of LiZn at 477 nm. Nonrelativistic ab initio calculations of the potential energy curves and the relevant dipole transition moments have been performed. Using these results in spectral simulations the observed emission is interpreted as belonging to the 2 2Π–X 2Σ+ transition of the LiZn molecule.

Spectral simulation and interpretation of LiZn and LiCd blue-green emission

“…Recently we reported the first observation of blue-green bands of LiZn and LiCd molecules produced by a photochemical reaction of excited Li2(CaH,) molecules with ground state zinc and cadmium atoms respectively [1], [2]. Analogous LiHg bands have been observed by the groups in Pisa and Graz [3].…”

“…The experimental setup is the same as described in our previous paper [1]. In brief, an excimer (XeC1) laser is used to excite the lithium-zinc vapor mixture (of natural isotopic composition) generated in a crossed heat-pipe oven.…”

“…The calculated MRDCI LiZn potential curves from [1] have been used in the simulation. The effective potentials for J'=35+1/2 (which is the most probable at T= 1000 K) are shown in Fig.…”

“…The spectrum has been identified as due to the 22II~X2X + electronic transition where the upper state correlates with the Li (3 P)+ Zn (4S) asymptote [ 1]. In the case of LiCd two main peaks are observed at 482 nm and 489nm.…”

Observations and spectral simulations of the7Li2 21 Σ u + →X 1 Σ g + transition

“…The experimental arrangement is similar as described in our previous paper [14]. The lithium vapor of natural isotopic composition is generated in the cross shaped heat-~ a6-pipe oven.…”