Entrance channel X–HF (X = Cl, Br and I) complexes studied by high-resolution infrared laser spectroscopy in helium nanodroplets

Abstract

Rotationally resolved infrared spectra are reported for halogen atom–HF free radical complexes formed in helium nanodroplets. An effusive pyrolysis source is used to dope helium droplets with Cl, Br and I atoms, formed by thermal dissociation of Cl₂, Br₂ and I₂. A single hydrogen fluoride molecule is then added to the droplets, resulting in the formation of the X–HF complexes of interest. Analysis of the resulting spectra confirms that the observed species have ²Π_3/2 ground electronic states, consistent with the linear hydrogen bound structures predicted from theory. Stark spectra are also reported for these species, from which the permanent electric dipole moments are determined.