Electronic Spectroscopy of Aniline Ions Embedded in Helium Nanodroplets

Excitation spectra of the and transitions of aniline cations embedded in helium nanodroplets are reported. The spectra are characterized by broad asymmetric resonances that consist of an intrinsically broadened zero-phonon line which partially overlaps with the accompanying phonon wing. The band origin of the transition reveals a blue-shift of 116±84 cm-1 with respect to the corresponding gas phase transition. This blue-shift is suggested to be related to the presence of a relatively strongly bound high-density helium solvation layer around the ion.