UV spectra of iron-doped carbon clusters FeCn n=3-6

Electronic transitions of jet-cooled FeCn clusters (n = 3-6) were measured between 230 and 300 nm by a mass-resolved 1 + 1 resonant two-photon ionization technique. Rotational profiles were simulated based on previous calculations of ground state geometries and compared to experimental observations. Reasonable agreement is found for the planar fan-like structure of FeC3. The FeC4 data indicate a shorter distance between the Fe atom and the bent C-4 unit of the fan. The transitions are suggested to be (3)A(2) <- B-3(1) for FeC3 and (5)A(1) <- (5)A(1) for FeC4. In contrast to the predicted C-infinity v, geometry, non-linear FeC5 is apparently observed. Line width broadening prevents analysis of the FeC6 spectrum. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.