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Communication: The ground electronic state of Si2C: Rovibrational level structure, quantum monodromy, and astrophysical implications.
- Source :
-
Journal of Chemical Physics . 2015, Vol. 142 Issue 23, p1-6. 6p. 4 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- We report the gas-phase optical detection of Si2C near 390 nm and the first experimental investigation of the rovibrational structure of its ¹A1 ground electronic state using mass-resolved and fluorescence spectroscopy and variational calculations performed on a high-level ab initio potential. From this joint study, it is possible to assign all observed Ka = 1 vibrational levels up to 3800 cm−1 with confidence, as well as a number of levels in the Ka = 0, 2, and 3 manifolds. Dixon-dip plots for the bending coordinate (ν2) allow an experimental determination of a barrier to linearity of 783(48) cm−1 (2σ), in good agreement with theory (802(9) cm−1). The calculated (Ka, ν2) eigenvalue lattice shows an archetypal example of quantum monodromy (absence of a globally valid set of quantum numbers) that is reflected by the experimentally observed rovibrational levels. The present study provides a solid foundation for infrared and optical surveys of Si2C in astronomical objects, particularly in the photosphere of N- and J-type carbon stars where the isovalent SiC 2 molecule is known to be abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00219606
- Volume :
- 142
- Issue :
- 23
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Chemical Physics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 103412893
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4922651