Knowledge Bank

Spectra of $H2(D2)$- rare gas van der Waals molecules are being studied using long absorption paths (110-160 m) at low temperatures and a Bomem DA3.02 spectrometer. Among the Interesting results are: 1.) New spectra of $H2-Ne$, obtained at about 25 K, are much cleaner and better resolved than previously available results. 2.) Spectra of $D2-Ar$ accompanying the $Q1(1)$ transition are observed for the first time. 3.) The first observed manifestation of the excited van der Waals stretching state (n=1) in this class of molecules is noted in the $Q1(0)$ region of $H2-Ar$. 4.) Excellent spectra of $H2-Ar$ and $H2-Kr$ in the $S0(0)(350cm-1)$ and $S0(1)(590cm-1)$ regions have been obtained. Detailed analysis of these results will result in improved 3-dimensional potential energy surfaces for the hydrogen-rare gas systems. Some new results on the $H2-N2$ and $H2-C0$ molecules will also be presented.