Spectroscopic Evidence for Triatomic Nitrogen in Solids at Very Low Temperature

Abstract

Additional wavelength, intensity, and lifetime measurements of the radiation emitted from solid nitrogen containing trapped atoms have led to the interpretation that a weakly bound triatomic molecule, N2–N, is an emitting species. The three lowest electronic levels of atomic nitrogen 2P, 2D, and 4S are involved in the 8 line groups which have been found. Isotopic substitution has confirmed this model. Evidence also has been found for an N2–O molecule similar to the N2–N.