A term which refers to the isolation of a reactive or
unstable species by dilution in an
inert matrix (argon, nitrogen, etc.), usually condensed on a window or in an optical cell
at low temperature, to preserve its structure for identification by spectroscopic
or other means.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1138
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167
(Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990))
on page 2200