New O2+ Bands. Dissociation Energy of O2+ and Ionization Potential of O2

Abstract

Three new bands are reported in the first negative and several in the second negative system of ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{+}$. The numbering of the vibrational levels of the normal state of ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{+}$, hitherto in doubt, is definitely established. The observed ionization potentials $I$ of ${\mathrm{O}}_2$ at 12.5 and 16.1 volts are discussed. From the known ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{+}$ energy levels it is shown that the dissociation energy $D$ of ${\mathrm{O}}_2^{+}$ cannot be less than 6.0 volts; by extrapolation from the known levels we get 6.54 volts. The latter value, however, would require 12.11 volts as the ionization potential of ${\mathrm{O}}_2$. We suggest $D=6.45\mathrm{}\pm 0.1$ and $I=12.2\mathrm{}\pm 0.1$ volt as a reasonable compromise (making $D$ and $I$ consistent, as they must be in reality) between the ionization potential and band spectrum data.