High-resolution laser excitation spectroscopy of metal-containing free radicals using a supersonic molecular beam spectrometer

Abstract

This thesis describes the building of a new supersonic molecular beam, laser-induced fluorescence spectrometer and its application to the spectroscopy of various metal containing radicals. Using this spectrometer, laser vaporized metals (Ca and Sr) react with reactants such as D2), NH3 and HOCH3 and, because of the cooling effect of the supersonic molecular beam, rotationally resolved spectra can be obtained for some larger molecules.