Spectroscopic Evidence for Triatomic Nitrogen in Solids at Very Low Temperature

Abstract

Additional wavelength, intensity, and lifetime measurements of the radiation emitted from solid nitrogen containing trapped atoms have led to the interpretation that a weakly bound triatomic molecule, N₂–N, is an emitting species. The three lowest electronic levels of atomic nitrogen ²P, ²D, and ⁴S are involved in the 8 line groups which have been found. Isotopic substitution has confirmed this model. Evidence also has been found for an N₂–O molecule similar to the N₂–N.