Written by a Nobel Laureate, this introduction to molecular spectroscopy covers rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy levels of diatomic molecules and ions; linear, nonlinear polyatomic radicals and ions; more. 1971 edition.

"Authoritative and clearly written."—Applied Optics The direct observation of short-lived free radicals and the consequent study of their structure and reactions have led to important developments in almost every branch of chemistry as well as in other areas. This volume by a Nobel laureate offers an excellent introduction to the essentials of molecular spectroscopy. The introductory chapter discusses experimental methods and illustrates the observed spectra of various molecules and free radicals. Subsequent chapters explore rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy levels of diatomic molecules and ions; radiative transitions; linear and nonlinear polyatomic radicals and ions; continuous and diffuse spectra; predissociation and pre-ionization; and recombination. The well-illustrated text features more than 100 figures and spectra. A distilled version of the author's monumental three-volume study, Molecular Spectra and Molecular Structure, it constitutes a superb resource for anyone wishing a concise but complete treatment of the fundamentals of molecular spectroscopy.

For beginners and specialists in other fields: the Nobel Laureate's introduction to atomic spectra and their relationship to atomic structures, stressing basics in a physical, rather than mathematical, treatment. 80 illustrations.

The near Infra-Red emission of the Interstellar Medium is a very puzzling subject. In the brightest regions, where spectroscopic observa tions are possible from the ground, several bands (3.3 - 3.4 - 6.2 - 7.7 - 8.6 - 11.3 ~m) have been observed since 1973. The absence of satisfying explanation was so obvious that they were called "Unidenti fied IR Emission Bands". The puzzle still increased when were known the first results of the general IR sky survey made by the satellite IRAS. On a large scale, the near IR emission of the Interstellar medium was expected to be very small but it was observed to be about one third of the total IR emission for our own galaxy ..• The situation has moved in 1984 when it was suggested that a class of stable organic molecules, the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH's) could be at the origin of this near IR emission. Initially based on the required refractory character of particules that should be heated to high temperature without subliming, this hypothesis leads to a sugges tive spectroscopic similarity with the observed astronomical bands. This hypothesis is attractive and it has many implications, for ins tance, the PAHs would be the most abundant organic molecules in the universe. However, many points have to be clarified and the different consequences of this suggestion should be explored.

A biography of one of the most influential scientists in the twentieth century.

"Nitrogen" Suppt. Vol. B 1 describes the compounds of nitrogen with noble gases and, in the major part, binary compounds composed of one nitrogen atom and hydrogen. Nitrogen hydrogen compounds with two and more nitrogen atoms are covered in "Nitrogen" Suppt. Vol. 82. There is some information on various nitrogen-noble gas species, to a large extent because of the interest in their bonding behavior. Experimental data have been obtained chiefly for some singly charged cations, particularly those formed by argon Like ArN + and ArNi. The existence of others has only been established by mass spectrometry. The binary compounds of nitrogen and hydrogen comprise NH, NH , NH , NH , the corre 2 4 5 sponding ions, and some adducts. NH and NH1 are not treated. The predominant part 3 of the volume covers the description of the molecules NH and NH . 8oth species are present 2 in photolytic processes in the atmosphere. They play an essential role in combustion systems regardless of whether the nitrogen stems from the nitrogen-containing fuel or from the air. Thus, much work has been devoted to the understanding of the nitrogen chemistry in combustion and in the atmosphere. The production and detection methods as weiL as the reactions have been comprehensively described. ln addition detailed information is given on the spectral behavior, the knowledge of which is important for detecting the mole cules and for studying their kinetics.

The Encyclopedia of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics introduces possibly unfamiliar areas, explains important experimental and computational techniques, and describes modern endeavors. The encyclopedia quickly provides the basics, defines the scope of each subdiscipline, and indicates where to go for a more complete and detailed explanation. Particular attention has been paid to symbols and abbreviations to make this a user-friendly encyclopedia. Care has been taken to ensure that the reading level is suitable for the trained chemist or physicist. The encyclopedia is divided in three major sections: FUNDAMENTALS: the mechanics of atoms and molecules and their interactions, the macroscopic and statistical description of systems at equilibrium, and the basic ways of treating reacting systems. The contributions in this section assume a somewhat less sophisticated audience than the two subsequent sections. At least a portion of each article inevitably covers material that might also be found in a modern, undergraduate physical chemistry text. METHODS: the instrumentation and fundamental theory employed in the major spectroscopic techniques, the experimental means for characterizing materials, the instrumentation and basic theory employed in the study of chemical kinetics, and the computational techniques used to predict the static and dynamic properties of materials. APPLICATIONS: specific topics of current interest and intensive research. For the practicing physicist or chemist, this encyclopedia is the place to start when confronted with a new problem or when the techniques of an unfamiliar area might be exploited. For a graduate student in chemistry or physics, the encyclopedia gives a synopsis of the basics and an overview of the range of activities in which physical principles are applied to chemical problems. It will lead any of these groups to the salient points of a new field as rapidly as possible and gives pointers as to where to read about the topic in more detail.