Laser-photodetachment-electron spectroscopy of Tl- - art. no. 042501

Laser-photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to determine the electron af finity of atomic thallium. Photoelectron kinetic-energy spectra of Tl- were obtained and compared to those of Na- obtained in the same manner. Using t his technique, the electron affinity of thallium was determined to be 0.377 +/-0.013 eV. This value is compared to several recent calculations of the e lectron affinity of thallium. In addition, a summary of experimental values and several systematic theoretical predictions of the electron affinities of the other group-13 elements is presented.