The spin-forbidden vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of 14N15N

TL;DR

This study measures the vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of 14N15N, revealing weak spin-forbidden bands and providing new molecular constants and predissociation data through high-resolution spectroscopy and modeling.

Contribution

It presents the first high-resolution measurement of spin-forbidden absorption bands in 14N15N and develops a coupled-Schroedinger equation model to predict their properties.

Findings

Identification of weak spin-forbidden absorption bands.

New predissociation linewidths and molecular constants for specific triplet states.

Model accurately predicts level positions and widths.

Abstract

Photoabsorption spectra of ${}^{14}{\rm N}{}^{15}{\rm N}$ were recorded at high resolution with a vacuum-ultraviolet Fourier-Transform spectrometer fed by synchrotron radiation in the range 81 to 100 nm. The combination of high column density ($3\times 10^{17}$ cm$^{-2}$) and low temperature (98 K) allowed for the recording of weak spin-forbidden absorption bands exciting levels of triplet character. The triplet states borrow intensity from ${}^1\Pi_u$ states of Rydberg and valence character while causing their predissociation. New predissociation linewidths and molecular constants are obtained for the states $C\,{}^3\Pi_u(v=7,8,14,15,16,21)$, $G\,{}^3\Pi_u(v=0,1,4)$, and $F\,{}^3\Pi_u(v=0)$. The positions and widths of these levels are shown to be well-predicted by a coupled-Schroedinger equation model with empirical parameters based on experimental data on ${}^{14}{\rm N}_2$ and ${}^{15}{\rm N}_2$ triplet levels.