matrix isolation

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03760
A term which refers to the isolation of a reactive or @U06569@ species by dilution in an @I03026@ 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.
Sources:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. (Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) on page 2200 [Terms] [Paper]
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1138 [Terms] [Paper]