Ultra-violet-laser-induced chemiluminescence of NaCd and NaHg excimers

Abstract

A single line UV Ar++ laser has been used for the photochemical production of NaCd and NaHg excimers, detected by their characteristic bound–free emission in the blue spectral region. Selected laser lines excited specific levels in the C 1Πu electronic state of the Na2 molecule. The chemical reaction of the excited sodium dimer with Cd or Hg atoms produced NaCd and NaHg excimers. We suggest a simple model for the explanation of the observed spectra, based on recent ab initio theoretical calculations.