DIFFUSION OF MASS-SELECTED CARBON-ATOMS AND MOLECULES IN ARGON AND NEON MATRICES

Annealing reactions of carbon atoms, molecules, and their anions, trap ped in noble gas matrices, were studied spectroscopically. To this aim C-n(-) (n=1-4) anions were mass-selected and codeposited with argon o r neon to form matrices at low temperatures. The charged species were neutralized by uv irradiation. Carbon chain elongation is observed onl y if neutral or charged atomic carbon is present in the matrix. Spectr a of linear carbon clusters up to C-11 were observed after C- depositi on, electron detachment, and subsequent annealing. The reaction betwee n two C-n (n greater than or equal to 2) species in solid argon or neo n was studied and can be disregarded even at temperatures near the poi nt of matrix sublimation. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.