Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 May 2016
The electronic absorption spectra of a variety of carbon chains have been identified in the laboratory. The measurements were carried out in 5 K neon matrices on mass-selected species. On the basis of the trends evident in the homologous series, it can be predicted in which region absorption bands of the carbon chains are to be expected for the not yet measured longer and isoelectronic species. The spectroscopic characteristics, photostability and structural considerations point out which and what size carbon chains could be the diffuse interstellar bands absorbers.