Absorption spectra of diatomic molybdenum nitride (MoN), molybdenum oxide (MoO), and molybdenum dimer (Mo2) molecules isolated in Ar, Ne, and Kr matrices

Abstract

Abstract MoN and MoO molecules produced in a hollow cathode discharge have been trapped in Ne, Ar, and Kr matrices at 4.2 and 13 K and investigated by optical spectroscopy. Bands attributed to MoN were identified in the red and blue spectral regions and assigned by comparison with gas phase results to the A 4 π → X 4 Σ − ( a ) and B 4 Σ → X 4 Σ − ( a ) transitions, respectively. The ground state of Mo 14 N has been identified as 4 Σ − with ω e = 1040 cm −1 in an Ar matrix. Absorptions assigned to MoO in the red spectral region form the (0-0) and (1-0) bands of at least one electronic transition, but could not definitely be correlated with the gas phase results. The ground state vibrational frequency for Mo 16 O in an Ar matrix is 893.5 cm −1 . Additionally, Mo 2 absorptions centered at 19 305 cm −1 were shown to be part of a vibrational progression with an average spacing of 181 cm −1 .