Anion photoelectron spectroscopy of (n = 1–3)

Negative ion photoelectron spectra of TaO n - , n = 1–3 are reported. By comparing this data to previous theoretical and experimental studies, the photodetachment transitions in the spectra of TaO− and TaO 2 - were assigned. As a result, the adiabatic electron affinities of TaO and TaO2 were determined to be 1.07 ± 0.06 eV and 2.40 ± 0.06 eV, respectively. Additionally, the dissociation energy of the TaO− anion was determined to be 7.91 ± 0.19 eV. Similarities and dissimilarities of TaO− vs. VO−, TaO 2 - vs. VO 2 - , and TaO 3 - vs. VO 3 - are discussed.