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Title: Vibrational predissociation spectra and dynamics of small molecular clusters of H/sub 2/O and HF

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5455969

Experimental results are presented on the vibrational predissociation spectra in the frequency range 3000 to 4000 cm/sup -1/ for the species (HF)/sub n/ and (H/sub 2/O)/sub n/, n = 2-6, using molecular beam techniques and a tunable infrared laser. The observed spectra show a dramatic change between the dimer and larger clusters which is thought to be a result of the cyclic structure of the trimer and larger clusters. The spectra are compared to calculated harmonic force constants of available intermolecular potentials to understand how these small, gas phase clusters relate to the liquid and solid phases of HF and H/sub 2/O. Additionally, the angular distributions of the predissociation products show that little energy appears as translational motion of the fragment molecules. This conclusion is consistent with recent theoretical models of the predissociation process. An upper limit of approx. 2 ..mu..sec is observed for the lifetime of the vibrationally excited clusters.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5455969
Report Number(s):
LBL-13740; CONF-820413-1; ON: DE82007607
Resource Relation:
Conference: Conference on Van der Waals molecules, Oxford, UK, 5 Apr 1982
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English