Electronic Spectroscopy of Jet-Cooled NdO

Chemi-ionization reactions of the type M + O → MO⁺ + e^- (M = Nd or Sm) are currently being investigated as a method to artificially increase the electron density in the ionosphere for control of micro- and radio wave propagation. Experiments involving the release of atomic Nd into the upper atmosphere have resulted in the production of a cloud that, on excitation by solar radiation, emits green light. It has been assumed that NdO was the carrier of this emission, but the existing spectroscopic data needed for this attribution is lacking. While the electronic spectrum of NdO has been well-characterized at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, relatively little spectroscopic data exist for emission wavelengths in the blue-green spectral range. In this study, spectra for jet-cooled NdO were recorded over the range 15,500-21,000 cm^-1. Rotationally resolved laser induced fluorescence and vibronically resolved dispersed laser-induced fluorescence spectra were recorded, and nine new electronically excited states were identified. The data indicate that the electronic spectrum of NdO has relatively few allowed transitions in the green spectral range, casting doubt on the assignment of the Nd high-altitude release cloud green emission to NdO.