New emission spectrum of the TeO molecule

Abstract

The spectrum of Tellurium monoxide as excited in a heavy current arc run by a 2000 volt D.C. generator was studied in the visible and ultraviolet regions. Photographs of the spectrum revealed many new bands in the regionλ 6200 toλ 3300, which are clearly degraded to longer wavelengths. Some of the bands in the regionλ 3800 toλ 3300 were identified with those of the system in the regionλ 3800 toλ 3060 (here designated as system,B-X) observed and analysed byChoong Shin Piaw. The analysis of theB-X system was extended to include some of the new bands uptoλ 4500. In addition to those assigned toB-X system, a number of new bands in the regionλ 5000 toλ 3500 constitute another system designated asA-X system. The analysis of this system has led to the following quantum formula for the band heads.v=27835+408 (v′+1/2)−4·0(v′+1/2)² −796 (v″+1/2)+3·5 (v″+1/2)².

The lower state of the two systems is common and is identified as the ground state of the TeO molecule.

Bands in the regionλ 6200 to 5000 were analysed as belonging to another brief system. This system appears to arise from a transition between two escited states of the TeO molecule.

The nature and properties of electronic terms responsible for the observed electronic states of the TeO molecule were discussed along with those of the related molecules O₂, SO, and SeO from considerations of electron configurations.