Laser-induced fluorescence and bonding of metal dimers

This article describes a technique for the spectroscopic study of metal clusters and intermetallic compounds. First, metallic samples are vaporized by a pulsed YAG (yttrium-aluminum gamet) laser, and then the gaseous products are excited with a pulsed-dye laser until they fluoresce. A time-resolved, fluorescence spectrum is then measured by the product. The application of this technique to the study of metal dimers is reviewed, with emphasis on recent results from Be₂ and Cr₂. Studies of such species often yield insights into the chemistry of metals and metal-metal bonding.