Some new electronic states of matrix-isolated diatomic bismuth

Abstract

Absorption spectra of the diatomic bismuth molecule in argon matrices reveal three hitherto unreported electronic states with band system origins at 12 395, about 15 246, and about 17 736 cm⁻¹. The ω_e values for the three states are, respectively, 123, 132, and 145 cm⁻¹. Laser excitations from the red into the ultraviolet produce only a single emission band system for Bi₂ in argon or krypton; in argon the emission system origin is at 12 395 cm⁻¹. The ground state ω_e value is 151 cm⁻¹, 13% smaller than for the gaseous molecule.