Diatomic hydride and deuteride spectra of the second row transition metals

Diatomic hydride and deuteride spectra of all the second row transition metals have been studied in absorption between 290 and 700 nm behind reflected shock waves. The first known spectra of ScH, ScD, VH, and VD have been identified, together with new spectra due to CoH, CoD, NiH, and NiD. Some new bands of CoD and NiD are analysed, and it is shown that an electronic isotope shift exists in NiD. The effect of such a shift on the determination of vibrational constants is discussed.