Search for: All records

We report the observation and analysis of a new electronic transition in gas-phase vanadium hydride (VH), identified as the C′5Δ–X5Δ (1,0) band with an origin at 14,015 cm− 1 (714 nm). The spectrum was recorded by laser excitation spectroscopy, with laser-induced fluorescence detected to the X5Δ (v =1) level. Dispersed fluorescence measurements enabled a detailed characterization of the vibrationally excited ground state, yielding a vibrational interval of ΔG1/2 = 1606.6(2) cm− 1 . Despite the presence of significant local perturbations—particularly in the Ω =0 and 1 spin components of the C′5Δ state—a full rotational analysis of the spectrum using a Hund’s case (a) Hamiltonian was achieved. Spectroscopic constants including rotational, spin–orbit, spin–rotation, and Λ-doubling parameters are reported for both the new C′5Δ state and the X5Δ (v = 1) level. Additionally, we observed a small local perturbation in the X5Δ₁ (v =1) level near J =9, attributed to homogeneous spin–orbit and heterogeneous L-uncoupling interactions with the previously analyzed A5Π (v =0) state. An X5Δ ~ A5Π coupled Hamiltonian was used to model this perturbation and yielded interaction parameters roughly consistent with semi-empirical estimates. This work represents only the second analyzed spectroscopic transition of gas-phase VH. 

The red-degraded [12.7]5Δ–X5Δ (0–0) band of gas-phase vanadium fluoride at 789 nm has been recorded by laser excitation spectroscopy and represents only the second reported rotational analysis of an electronic transition of VF. A hollow cathode discharge source was employed, with laser-induced fluorescence detected via the [12.7]5Δ–X5Δ (0–1) band. All five main (∆Ω = 0) subbands were identified, each containing only P and R branches, as expected in a parallel (∆Λ = 0) transition. The upper state displays the effects of strong local perturbations. Molecular constants describing the X5Δ (v = 0 and 1) levels and the [12.7]5Δ (v = 0) level were determined from least-squares fits using an effective Hamiltonian written in a Hund’s case (a) basis. The equilibrium rotational constant of the ground state was determined to be Be = 0.38324(89) cm−1, which yields a molecular bond length of Re = 1.7829(21) Å. 

The D 5 Π–X 5 Δ (0,0) band of vanadium hydride at 654 nm has been recorded by laser excitation spectroscopy and represents the first analyzed spectrum of VH in the gas phase. The molecules were generated using a hollow cathode discharge source, with laser-induced fluorescence detected via the D 5 Π–A 5 Π (0,0) transition. All five main (ΔΩ = ΔΛ) subbands were observed as well as several satellite ones, which together create a rather complex and overlapped spectrum covering the region 15 180–15 500 cm −1 . The D 5 Π state displays the effects of three strong local perturbations, which are likely caused by interactions with high vibrational levels of the B 5 Σ − and c 3 Σ − states, identified in a previous multiconfigurational self-consistent field study by Koseki et al. [J. Phys. Chem. A 108, 4707 (2004)]. Molecular constants describing the X 5 Δ, A 5 Π, and D 5 Π states were determined in three separate least-squares fits using effective Hamiltonians written in a Hund’s case (a) basis. The fine structure of the ground state is found to be consistent with its assignment as a σπ 2 δ, 5 Δ electronic state. The fitted values of its first-order spin–orbit and rotational constants in the ground state are [Formula: see text] and B = 5.7579(13) cm −1 , the latter of which yields a bond length of [Formula: see text] Å. This experimental value is in good agreement with previous computational studies of the molecule and fits well within the overall trend of decreasing bond length across the series of 3d transition metal monohydrides.