Electronic spectroscopy of the Au–Xe complex

Abstract

We report electronic spectra of the Au–Xe complex for the first time. The transitions are recorded in the vicinity of the Au atomic 6p← 6s transitions. Structured spectra are found close to both the 6²P_1/2 and 6²P_3/2 states. The former is assigned as a ²Π_1/2 state in line with previous work on Au–Ar and Au–Kr; the possible assignment of the second spectrum is discussed. In addition, a large basis set extrapolated RCCSD(T) potential energy curve for the ground state, X²Σ⁺, is presented and derived spectroscopic parameters reported. More qualitative calculations are presented for electronically-excited states which arise from the Au(5²D) + Xe and Au(6²P) + Xe asymptotes, as well as some higher-lying states. The ab initio results are employed in the assignment of the reported spectra.