Chemiluminescent NiO* emissions: band systems and spectral simulation

Abstract

Following the renewed interest in metal oxide emissions in the night airglow, high-resolution laboratory observations of NiO* in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum are reviewed, and approximate spectroscopic constants are derived to augment those already available in the literature. A preliminary spectral band simulation model is developed for the relevant NiO systems. Franck–Condon factors, calculated using the preliminary spectroscopic constants, are used in the model to conduct an iterative comparison with low-resolution NiO* chemiluminescent emissions observed in the laboratory. Relative vibrational level populations are estimated, and shortcomings of the model are noted. The existence of a new NiO band system is also suggested.