Heteronuclear molecules from matrix isolation sublimation and atomic diffusion.

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Generating cryogenic beams of heteronuclear molecules is crucial for high-resolution spectroscopy.
• Existing methods for producing such beams are often complex or limited in scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a new technique, matrix isolation sublimation (MISu), for producing cryogenic molecular beams.
• To analyze the species formed and confirm the production of heteronuclear molecules.
• To investigate atomic diffusion in a Ne matrix during sublimation.

Main Methods:

• Solid neon matrix growth on a sapphire substrate.
• Implantation of atoms (Li, H, Ca, C) via laser ablation of precursors.
• Sublimation of the matrix to generate a cryogenic beam.
• Analysis using electron ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
• Laser spectroscopy to study atomic diffusion.

Main Results:

• Successful production of cryogenic beams carrying atomic and molecular species.
• Demonstrated formation of heteronuclear molecules (e.g., LiCa) and clusters (e.g., C_nLi_m, Li_nH_m).
• Observed a small diffusion coefficient for Li and Ca in Ne at 7 K, with linear atomic dispersion during sublimation.

Conclusions:

• The MISu technique is a novel and effective method for generating cryogenic beams of heteronuclear molecules.
• This technique provides beams with low translational and rovibrational temperatures, ideal for precision spectroscopy.
• The developed method for studying atomic diffusion is versatile for other species and matrices.