Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra have been observed from the products of gaseous microwave electric discharges frozen at 4.2[degrees]K. The gases investigated were N2 and NH3.
The spectrum of the frozen nitrogen discharge products plainly indicates the presence of atomic nitrogen whose half life in the solid is greater than ten hours. Dilution of the nitrogen in an inert matrix of argon is found to cause considerable line broadening. When the nitrogen discharge products are passed over mercury prior to condensation, a complex spectrum of 11 lines is obtained.
The spectrum of NH3 discharge products indicates the presence of atomic nitrogen and hydrogen. Data concerning the presence of NH and NH2 radicals are not conclusive.
A description of the apparatus and techniques developed for these experiments is included.
