The Many-Lined Spectrum of Sodium Hydride

Abstract

A direct current arc was maintained between a water-cooled iron cathode and a sodium anode in a hydrogen atmosphere up to pressures of 3 or 4 cms. With potential differences from 20 to 30 volts, a many-lined spectrum was obtained in which several bands and branches have been identified in the region between $\lambda 3900$ and $\lambda 5100$. Computations involving the usual quantum assumptions have led to the determination of the following molecular magnitudes:— Some deviations from current quantum formulas are pointed out.