OBSERVATION AND SPECTROSCOPY OF METALLIC FREE-RADICALS PRODUCED BY REACTIVE COLLISIONS DURING A SUPERSONIC EXPANSION

Using the techniques of laser vaporization, supersonic jet, and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, we have studied a number of small calcium containing free radicals, formed by the reaction of calcium atoms with the appropriate precursor molecule. We present spectra for CaCCH (from HCCH), CaNH2 (from NH3), and CaCN (from CH3 CN) in the region of the first electronically excited states. The cooling achieved in the jet has revealed structure hidden in previous high temperature studies. In the case of CaCN, we report the first rotationally resolved spectra of this molecule. © 1990 American Institute of Physics.