Collision-induced luminescence spectra of pyridine bombarded by 1000 eV He+ cations

Abstract

Here we show collision-induced luminescence spectra measured for collisions of the He+ cations with the aromatic six-membered ring of the pyridine molecule (C5H5N). Distinct emission bands due to the CH(A2Δ → X2Πr; B2Σ+ → X2Πr; C2Σ+ → X2Πr), CN(B2Σ+ → X2Σ+), C2(d3Πg → a3Πu), and NH(A3Π → X3Σ−) transitions, as well as atomic H, He, and C lines have been observed. Apart from the He atoms, all the emitters arise from the fragmentation of the pyridine ring. The identification of the helium lines indicates a single electron transfer reaction from the pyridine molecule to the He+ cations. The products’ intensities relative to the Hβ intensity have also been obtained and compared with the intensity ratios determined for He+ + furan collisions.

Keywords

• Pyridine
• Luminescence
• Collisions
• Heterocyclic molecules
• Dissociation
• He+