Laser spectroscopy of CaNC and SrNC

Abstract

Low-resolution laser excitation and dispersed laser-induced fluorescence spectra of CaNC and SrNC were recorded. The laser excitation spectra of the B2Σ+−X2Σ+ and A2Π−X2Σ+ transitions of SrNC are consistent with a linear,isocyanide structure. For both CaNC and SrNC, additional strong, non-resonant features occur to the red of the B2Σ+−X2Σ+ and A2Π−X2Σ+ transitions in the dispersed fluorescence spectra. Although these features remain unassigned, they might be due to emission from the isomeric,linear cyanides, CaCN and SrCN. In this case, the excited state potential curves need to have a small barrier between the cyanide and the isocyanide forms.