Abstract

Rotationally resolved electronic spectra of moderately large free radicals such as CH₃O, C₂H₅O, C₅H₅, and ${\text{C}}_6 {\text{F}}_6^{+}$ have been obtained by using a pulsed amplified tunable ring dye laser system. This system is capable of producing laser radiation of moderately high energy, 5–10 mJ/pulse throughout the visible spectral region, and may be doubled into the UV. The radicals are produced by excimer laser photolysis of suitable precursors in a supersonic free jet expansion. Spectra of radicals with internal temperatures in the range of ~0.5–20 K have been recorded. The analyses of these spectra to obtain information about the radicals' geometries and electronic structure are discussed.

© 1988 Optical Society of America