Electron energy-loss spectra of some triatomic molecules

Abstract

Electron energy-loss spectra in the range 3 to 20 eV of CO 2 , N 2 O, COS, CS 2 , SO 2 are reported. Rydberg series are compared with those identified in vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectra, and a number of new lowest members and new series are reported. The quantum defects of these are discussed in terms of the orbitals of the active electrons. CO 2 levels have been studied with variable scattering angle, the progressions around 15 eV showing characteristic forbidden transition behaviour, and being tentatively assigned as π 3 g σ g 1 II g and π 3 g σ g 3 II g . The generalized oscillator strength of CO 2 D ~ 11.09 eV shows a discrepancy from that reported by Lassettre & Shiloff (1965).