The visible photoabsorption spectrum of Ar+3

Abstract

The photodissociation cross section of Ar⁺₃ was measured at a number of wavelengths between 1064 and 320 nm. A single broad and featureless band was observed peaking near 520 nm with a width of ≈2600 cm⁻¹ and a peak cross section of ≈10⁻¹⁶ cm². Consideration of the electronic structure of Ar⁺₃ indicates that the measured spectrum is equivalent to the photoabsorption spectrum. Two ionic products, Ar⁺ and Ar⁺₂, were observed in the photodissociation of Ar⁺₃, indicative of at least two exit pathways and suggestive of two electronic transitions.