15min:
THE b 4 Pi3/2 - X 2 Pi3/2 TRANSITION OF AuO.

JAMES J. O'BRIEN, SADASIVAN SHAJI, ALEX SONG, Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, St Louis, MO 63121-4499; LEAH C. O'BRIEN, BRADLEY A. BORCHERT, Department of Chemistry, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1652.

The visible spectrum of AuO has been recorded in the 16700 - 18700 cm-1 region using Intracavity Laser Spectroscopy (ILS). The gas phase AuO molecules were produced using a gold-lined hollow cathode in a helium-based electric discharge with 5-8% oxygen. Numerous bands were observed in the spectrum. We have identified 5 bands with a similar branch structure and regular spacing as being part of a vibrational progression of a new electronic transition which we have identified as the b 4 Pi3/2 - X 2 Pi3/2 transition. Results of the analysis will be presented.