Infrared spectra of matrix-isolated plutonium oxides

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Abstract
The infrared absorption spectra of PuO and PuO2 in both Ar and Kr matrices have been identified. The observed frequencies at 794.25 and 786.80 cm−1 have been assigned to the ν3 stretching modes of Pu16O2 in Ar and Kr matrices, respectively. Normal coordinate analysis of the PuO2 isotopomers, Pu16O2, Pu16O18O, and Pu18O2, in Ar showed that the molecule is linear. The derived stretching force constants are f=5.2476±0.0010 and f ′=0.0034±0.0010 mdyn Å−1. The PuO molecule exists in multiple sites in Ar matrices, but not in Kr matrices. The observed Pu16O vibrational frequency in the most stable site in Ar is 822.28 cm−1 and in Kr is 817.27 cm−1. No absorption peaks were observed that could be assigned to PuO3.