Spectroscopy and dynamics of hydride radical van der Waals complexes

Complexes consisting of a diatomic hydride radical bound to a rare gas atom (Rg) offer unique opportunities for investigations of weak bonding interactions and predissociation dynamics. Electronic spectra for these complexes typically exhibit progressions in the intermolecular stretch and bending vibrations. Analyses of the energy level structures associated with these large-amplitude motions provide detailed information concerning the intermolecular potential energy surfaces. Subtle aspects of the intermolecular interactions are revealed by the way in which the rotational, vibrational, and electronic angular momenta are coupled. Potential energy surfaces derived from spectroscopic data establish benchmarks against which ab-initio models of open-shell complexes may be tested