PHOTOIONIZATION ELECTRONIC SPECTROSCOPY OF AGK

An electronic spectrum is observed for the new heteronuclear metal dim er, AgK. Two electronic states are observed with origins near 315 nm. Spectra are detected for three isotopomers with mass-resolved one-colo r two-photon photoionization spectroscopy (R2PI). The vibrational band s in the more intense state (omega(e) = 85.8 cm-1) have rotational str ucture consistent with a 1SIGMA+ --> 1PI transition. This structure is red-shaded, consistent with an excited state having a significantly l onger bond (3.02 angstrom) than the ground state (2.40 angstrom). The possible importance of ionic bonding is discussed.