Laser-Excited Vibrational Fluorescence of Matrix-Isolated Carbon Monoxide

Abstract

The infrared emission of CO molecules isolated in solid neon and argon matrices has been observed at very low temperature. The optical excitation of carbon monoxide was provided by a $Q$-switched frequency-doubled C${\mathrm{O}}_2$ laser. The fluorescence lifetime ${\tau }_F$ was found to lie in the range 4-8 msec, with no appreciable change of ${\tau }_F$ as the matrix/reactant ratio increased from 100 to 1000. On the other hand, a strong dependence of ${\tau }_F$ with temperature has been observed.