A matrix-induced change in the electronic ground state of nickel atoms isolated in rare gases

• Published in: Chemical physics letters Vol. 95; no. 6; pp. 513 - 516
• Main Authors: Breithaupt, B., Hulse, J.E., Kolb, D.M., Rotermund, H.H., Schroeder, W., Schrittenlacher, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.1983
• ISSN: 0009-2614; 1873-4448
• DOI: 10.1016/0009-2614(83)80343-1

Comparison of the absorption spectra for matrix-isolated Ni atoms with gas-phase data reveals that the electronic ground-state configuration of the isolated atom can be changed by the matrix. While Ni in Ne has the same configuration as in the gas phase, namely 3d 84s 2 we find in Ar, Kr, and Xe the 3d 94s 1 configuration to be the ground state. The matrix-induced changes is explained by the repulsive matrix-dopant interaction, which is sufficiently lowered in the 3d 94s 1 configuration to overcompensate for the energy difference of 205 cm −1 by which the 3d 94s 1 level lies above the 3d 84s 2 in the free atom.