|
Molecules of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) trapped in
a cryogenic argon matrix were electronically excited using ultraviolet
light from an Nd:YAG laser. The fluorescence produced as the molecules
returned to their ground electronic state was analyzed using a monochromator
to scan wavelengths between 400-450 nm. We determined the accuracy
and reliability of our technique and experimental apparatus by comparing
resulting excitation spectra to spectra obtained in previous studies
of uranium hexafluoride. This was done by assigning the peaks in
the excitation spectra we obtained to known electronic transitions
of the molecule and comparing their values. Currently, we are disintegrating
UF6 by passing it through a microwave discharge and the resulting
molecular fragments will be characterized.
|
