Absorption Spectra of Nb Atoms Isolated in Rare-Gas Matrices

Abstract
The absorption spectrum of Nb isolated in Ar, Kr, and Xe matrices at 14°K is reported. Observed absorptions in the ultraviolet spectral region correlate well with those expected from known gas phase data. Assignment of all observed absorptions to specific gas phase transitions was not possible in the visible and IR spectral regions. Absorption features observed upon annealing an Ar matrix containing Nb are assigned to the dimer Nb2. The luminescence spectrum of Nb isolated in an Ar matrix is reported.