Exploring the complex electronic structure of small transition metal species by non-linear double-resonance spectroscopy in a molecular beam environment

Transition metals species exhibit a complex electronic structure due to the high density of low-lying states, open d-shell configurations and large numbers of isotopologues. As a consequence, even the ground states of some homonuclear transition metal dimers have been difficult or impossible to identify experimentally. Two-color resonance four-wave mixing is highly selective and is absorption-like in nature so does not rely upon emission from the state probed. Our group gained a longtime expertise in this advanced spectroscopic method. The application of the technique to small transition metals is crucial in order to be able to gain better insights into the complex catalytic systems. The results are highly relevant since these molecules play a major role in pollution reduction in gas treatment of emissions and also for novel fuel technologies based on hydrogen production and hydrocarbon feedstocks.

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