Absorption Spectrum of Ta Atoms Isolated in an Argon Matrix

Absorption spectra have been recorded for Ta atoms isolated in an Ar matrix at 4.2°K. A complex spectrum consisting of more than 40 features is observed between 2288 and 5041 Å. With only a few exceptions, these features can be correlated with gas phase transitions involving the 4F3/2 ground state of neutral Ta atoms. There is qualitative agreement between the relative intensities of matrix features and intensity data for the gaseous state. Matrix shifts occur in the range 963–1451 cm−1 with an average shift of 1160 cm−1 to higher energy.