Electronic and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of matrix-isolated nickel atoms

Abstract

The absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of nickel atoms isolated in argon, krypton and xenon matrices have been measured. Comparison of these spectra with gas-phase data and with the results of calculations shows that the ground state of the nickel atom in these matrices is 3d⁹4s¹ : ³D₃, and not 3d⁸4s² : ³F₄ as it is in the gas phase.

The spectra in the three matrices are correlated and, as far as possible, assigned. It is shown that some bands previously attributed to atoms are more probably due to small nickel molecules.