Fourier transform emission spectroscopy of the visible transitions of AuCl

The visible electronic transitions of AuCl were observed at high resolution for the first time. The spectrum was recorded with the Fourier transform spectrometer associated with the McMath-Pierce solar telescope at Kitt Peak. The excited AuCl molecules were produced in a microwave discharge, with 4 Torr of helium seeded with 3% chlorine flowing over AuCl3 powder. Constants for the X(1)Sigma(+), A Omega = 1, and B Omega = 0(+) states of (AuCl)-Cl-35 are presented. The A Omega = 1 and the B Omega = 0(+) states may be two spin-orbit components of a (3)Pi, electronic state, and molecular parameters for this excited (3)Pi state also are given. (C) 1999 Academic Press.