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Molecular photodetachment microscopy
Christian Delsart1, Fabienne Goldfarb, Christophe Blondel
1Laboratoire Aimé-Cotton, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Bâtiment 505, F-91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
Physical Review Letters
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Photodetachment microscopy was applied to a molecular anion, OH-, revealing rotational thresholds. This study refined the electron affinity of 16OH to 1.827 650 3(17) eV.
Area of Science:
- Molecular physics
- Quantum chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Photodetachment microscopy, initially for atomic ions, is extended to molecular anions.
- Understanding molecular anion properties is crucial in various chemical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply photodetachment microscopy to the hydroxyl (OH) molecular anion.
- To accurately determine the electron affinity of the 16OH isotopologue.
Main Methods:
- Recording interferograms of rotational thresholds for OH- detachment.
- Utilizing a double-pass laser scheme for enhanced accuracy in threshold energy measurements.
Main Results:
- Observed rotational thresholds for transitions from OH- X (1)Sigma(+) to OH X (2)Pi states.
- Determined the electron affinity of 16OH to be 14,740.996(13) cm(-1) or 1.827 650 3(17) eV.
- Found no discernible effect from the 1/r(2) dipolar potential.
Conclusions:
- Photodetachment microscopy is a viable technique for studying molecular anions.
- The refined electron affinity value for 16OH provides a critical benchmark for theoretical calculations.