Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol.111, No.6, 2484-2489, 1999
Spectroscopic characterization of the weakly bound Ca(4s4d sigma D-3(3))center dot Ar[(3)Sigma(+)] state: Evidence for a substantial maximum in the potential curve at long range
The weakly bound Ca(4s4d sigma D-3(3)). Ar[(3)Sigma(+)] state has been characterized by means of R2PI (Resonant Two-Photon Ionization) spectroscopy, using transitions from the Ca(4s4p pi P-3(0)). Ar[(3)Pi(0)(-)] metastable state prepared in a laser-vaporization/supersonic jet source. Because several of the vibrational levels are above the dissociation limit [to Ca(4s4d D-3(3))+Ar(S-1(0))], it is concluded that there must be a substantial maximum in the Ca(4s4d sigma D-3(3)). Ar[(3)Sigma(+)] potential curve (> 200 cm(-1)) at large R (> 4.0 Angstrom). This is discussed, and shown to be consistent with our earlier ideas of "penetration" of outerlobes of electron density of metal atom excited states by RG (rare-gas) atoms. Perturbations observed, due to possible potential curve crossings with states of different electronic symmetry, are also discussed.