The new metal diatomics KAu and NaAu are studied using resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) electronic spectroscopy. These species are produced by laser vaporization of a “salted” gold rod in a pulsed nozzle cluster source. Analysis of the spectra provides the vibrational constants for the excited states and correlations to specific atomic asymptotes. Energetic cycles provide determinations of the ground-state dissociation energies. The values are D 0‘ ‘ = 2.75 ± 0.2 eV for KAu and D 0‘ ‘ = 2.64 ± 0.2 eV for NaAu. These dissociation energies for the heteronuclear diatomics are significantly greater than those for the corresponding homonuclear diatomics Na2, K 2, or Au2. Partial ionic character in the ground state bonding is implicated, analogous to that observed previously for silver and copper-alkali diatomics.

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> In this age of computer gaming, portable device video and high definition entertainment, students are exposed to sophisticated graphics and virtual reality every day. As a result, students arrive at universities with a high level of expectation and experience in visualization and 3D graphics. Traditional materials for education and outreach rely predominantly on two-dimensional displays of maps, photographs, data graphs/histograms and conceptual diagrams. Advances in geospatial technologies, including unmanned aerial systems and virtual/ augmented reality devices can be used to enhance and innovate instructional materials in classrooms from pre-K to graduate degree programs. This work reports on these technologies and the integration of the 3D Immersion and Geovisualization (3DIG) system at the Center for Geospatial Research at the University of Georgia, USA. We present system components, lessons learned during design and implementation of the system, and the incorporation of 3DIG into teaching, learning and research. Data flow is used as a multi-component system integrator and shows how interconnected and complementary technologies can provide hands-on and immersive experiential learning to students in the geosciences. System evaluation shows increased student interest/engagement and indicates that 3DIG facilitates the understanding of complex concepts.</p>