Directions in molecular-ion spectroscopy

Abstract

Molecular ions, once regarded as little more than curiosities, are now recognized as major (even dominant) chemical agents in extraterrestrial and terrestrial environments in which ionization occurs. Spectroscopic analysis offers the most comprehensive means of understanding their structure and following their behaviour. The field of charged-molecule spectroscopy is quite young but is growing rapidly. Some reasons for the rapid growth, particularly interesting situations involving molecular ions, and possibilities and problems for the future of the field are briefly discussed.