Spectroscopy, dissociation dynamics, and potential energy surfaces for CN(A)-Ar

The A (2)Pi-X (2)Sigma(+) band system of CN-Ar has been examined using fluorescence depletion and action spectroscopy techniques. Eight vibronic bands of the complex were observed in association with the monomer 3-0 transition. Pump-probe measurements were used to characterize CN(A (2)Pi(3/2),nu=3) fragments from direct photodissociation of CN(A (2)Pi,nu=3)-Ar and CN(X (2)Sigma(+),nu=7) fragments from CN(A (2)Pi,nu=3)-Ar predissociation. The latter showed a marked preference for population of positive parity diatomic rotational levels. Bound state calculations were used to assign the A-X bands and to obtain fitted potential energy surfaces for the A state. The average potential obtained from fitting had a well depth of D-e=137.8 cm(-1). High-level ab initio calculations were used to obtain equilibrium Jacobi coordinates of theta(e)=94 degrees and R-e=7.25 bohr. The near-symmetric character of the fitted potential energy surface was consistent with the symmetry preference observed in the predissociation dynamics. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.