The NaZn excimer: Blue–green band

Abstract

Electronically excited NaZn excimers have been produced in a photochemical reaction of Na2(C 1Πu) with Zn(4 1S0). The Na–Zn vapor mixture was prepared by introducing a controlled stream of sodium vapor into zinc vapor generated in a heat-pipe oven. A new band (bound–free transition) was observed in the region from 450 to 487 nm. Potential curves of the eight lowest electronic states of NaZn were calculated. On the basis of the calculations, the observed emission is interpreted as resulting from the 2 2Π–X 2Σ+ transition. The conditions favorable for the observation of the photochemical reaction are discussed.