An electronic spectrum of the nickel monoboride radical has been observed for the first time, in a reaction between a nickel plasma and diborane. Numerous bands of (NiB)-Ni-58-B-10 and (NiB)-Ni-58-B-11 have been recorded between 442 and 503 nm in laser-induced. uorescence (LIF). Dispersed. uorescence experiments have also been performed. The LIF spectrum is dominated by a strong progression of bands of a [19.7](2)Sigma(+) -X-2 Sigma(+) transition. Analyses have been carried out to yield the following 58Ni11B ground state parameters: r(0) = 0.1698 nm, omega(e) = 778 cm (1), omega(e)x(e) = 4.9 cm (1). Strong signals from NiH have also been observed. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.