The electronic emission spectrum of aluminum carbide

The gas phase spectrum of the aluminum carbide radical has been observed at low temperature in emission from a corona excited supersonic expansion source. The original rotational assignment of the B4Σ−-X4Σ− system is confirmed. Numerous bands of the previously unknown A4Π-X4Σ− system with v′ = 0-3 and v″ = 1-13 have been observed allowing for characterization of a significant part of the ground state potential energy surface.