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 X1Sigma+, AOmega = 1, and BOmega = 0(+) states of Au35Cl are presented. The AOmega = 1 and the BOmega = 0(+) states may be two spin-orbit components of a 3Pi electronic state, and molecular parameters for this excited 3Pi state also are given. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.