Detection of AuF by emission spectroscopy in a hollow cathode discharge

The emission spectrum of AuF, produced in a hollow cathode discharge, is recorded over the wavelength range from 350 to 650 nm. By comparison with density functional theory calculations, including relativistic corrections, and using the known spectrum and DFT calculations for the low-lying electronic states of CuF, the three AuF bands are assigned to vibrational transitions involving the lowest energy 1Σ+ and 1Π excited states. Spectral assignments differ from those previously reported.