Infrared (9–11 μm) Dissociation of the Hydrogen Bonded Clusters (NH₃) (n ≧ 2) Detected by Bolometric Technique

Abstract

Predissociation of NH₃ clusters has been induced by a CW CO₂ laser and detected by a semiconducting bolometer. For the dimer two absorption bands have been found at 979 cm-¹ and 1004 cm-¹, which originate from the excitation of two non-equivalent NH₃ molecules. Heavier NH₃ clusters dissociate at frequencies between 1020 cm-¹ and 1100 cm-¹. A simple electrostatic model can account qualitatively for the observed features.