Laser Photodetachment Electron Spectroscopy of Zirconium Dimers

The electron affinity of the zirconium dimer has been measured using laser photodetachment electron spectroscopy (LPES). A photon beam emitted from a 532.2 nm CW laser crossed a 10 KeV beam of Zr$_2^-$ ions at a $90^\circ$ collision angle. The kinetic energies of the photodetached electrons were measured with a $160^\circ$ spherical sector energy analyzer. The electron spectrometer was operated in the constant pass energy mode.Photoelectron spectra were used to determine the electron affinity of the Zr$_2$. Moreover, studies of photoelectron angular distribution measurements were also performed. Analysis of the angular distribution data is in process, and preliminary results will be presented.