The absorption and Raman spectra of hafnium dimers in an argon matrix
have been measured. Four weak dimer absorption bands were found betwee
n 300 and 700 nm. Resonance Raman spectra (obtained by exciting into a
band centered at 620 nm) give omega(e)'' = 176.2 (26) cm-1 with omega
(e)x(e) < 1 cm-1. Our results represent the first experimental or theo
retical study of the dihafnium molecule.