Vibrational population inversion in CS(A) through the dissociative excitation of CS2 by Ar(P2)

The CS(A ¹Π → X ¹Σ⁺) emission spectra resulting from the energy transfer reaction of Ar(³P₂) + CS₂ under single collision condition have been obtained. The relative vibrational populations of the nascent product CS(A ¹Π, υ′) have been determined by means of spectral simulation. A population inversion is found at υ′ = 1. The population data are approximately represented by a distribution predicted from the impulsive half collision model. The dynamics and energetics of CS(A) formation has been discussed in detail.     

The chemical production of electronically excited states in the H/NF2 system

A mixture of NF₃ and Ar is passed through an rf discharge in a flow-system to produce, among other species, F and NF₂. When H₂, D₂, or CH₄ are added downstream, reactions with F atoms produce vibrationally excited HF or DF together with H, D, or CH₃. The latter free radicals can react with NF₂, probably by an elimination reaction to produce electronically excited NF: NF₂(²B₁) + H(D, CH₃) → HF^*(DF^* + NF(a¹Δ). A vibrational-to-electronic energy transfer process between the products of this reaction then produces the next higher state of NF: HF(ν 2) + NF(a¹Δ) → HF(ν−2) + NF(b¹Σ⁺). A similar transfer process has also been found between the electronically excited a¹Δ states of O₂ and NF: O₂(a¹Δ) + NF(a¹Δ) → O₂(X³Σ⁻) + NF(b¹Σ⁺). The H or D atoms but not the CH₃ radicals are then found to react with either NF(a¹Δ) or NF(X³Σ⁻) to produce electronically excited N(₂D) atoms, which in turn react with the NF(a¹Δ) molecules to produce N₂(B³Π_g). The observed nitrogen first positive radiation has been demonstrated to be produced entirely by this reaction mechanism rather than by the N(⁴S) recombination that accounts for the Rayleigh afterglow. In addition, the occurrence of the reaction N(₂D) + N₂O → NO(B²Π_r) + N₂ (X¹Σ⁺_g) has been verified. Finally we have observed emission at 3344 Å, which we attribute to the NF(A³Π), which has not been previously reported.     

Fraction of excited-state oxygen formed as b Σg in solution-phase-photosensitized reactions II. Effects of sensitizer substituent

The fraction F_Σ of excited-state oxygen formed as b ¹Σ_g⁺ was determined for a series of triplet-state photosensitizers in CCl₄ solutions. F_Σ was determined by monitoring the intensities of (a) O₂(b ¹Σ_g⁺) fluorescence at 1926 nm (O₂(b ¹Σ_g⁺)→O₂(a ¹Δ_g) and (b) O₂(a ¹ Δ_g) phosphorescence at 1270 nm (O₂(a ¹Δ_g) → O₂(X³Σ_g⁻)). Oxygen excited states were formed by energy transfer from substituted benzophenones and acetophenones. The data indicate that F_Σ depends on several variables including the orbital configuration of the lowest triplet state and the triplet-state energy. The available data indicate that the sensitizer-oxygen charge transfer (CT) state is not likely to influence F_Σ strongly by CT-mediated mixing of various sensitizer-oxygen states.     

Laser induced photodissociation spectroscopy: Br2

The continuous absorption spectrum of molecular bromine has been examined using laser induced photodissociation spectroscopy. In this technique, Br₂ molecules are photolyzed using a flashlamp-pumped dye laser; the atomic products of the dissociation are then monitored by time-resolved resonance absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultraviolet. The relative absorptivities for the transitions B³Π_o⁺u ← X¹Σ⁺_g and ¹Π_1u ← X¹Σ⁺_g have been obtained at 18350, 21010 and 22125 cm⁻¹.     

Threshold photoelectron spectroscopy of iodine monobromide

A high-resolution (1–7 meV) threshold photoelectron spectroscopic study of IBr was performed using synchrotron radiation and a penetrating-field electron spectrometer over the valence ionization region of the molecule. Extensive vibrational structure was found in all three electronic-state band systems (X²Π_i, A²Π_i and B²Σ⁺) of IBr⁺. In the (X²Π_i) band system both spin–orbit components exhibited extended vibrational structure in the Franck–Condon gap regions that is attributed to resonance autoionization of neutral Rydberg states lying in these energy regions. Analysis of this vibrational structure yielded accurate spectroscopic constants.     

Vibrational relaxation and electronic mutation of metastable nitrogen molecules generated by nitrogen atom recombination on cobalt and nickel

The recombination of nitrogen atoms on polycrystalline samples of cobalt and nickel produces metastable electronically excited nitrogen molecules, probably N₂(W³Δ_u), which are collisionally transferred to the N₂(B³Πg) state. Information about vibrational relaxation of the metastable state by N₂(X¹Σ⁺_g) is inferred from composition dependent changes in the observed first positive emission spectrum [N₂9A³Σ⁺_g)−N₂(B³Π_g] with the aid of multilevel, steady-state, kinetic model.     

Dissociation reactions of the vinyl radical in the AA″ state

In the present theoretical work we have explored mechanisms of dissociation reactions of the vinyl radical in the A²A″ state (C₂H₃ (A²A″)) and examined possible pathways for nonadiabatic dissociation of C₂H₃ (A²A″) into C₂H₂ (X¹Σ_g⁺). In the calculations we used the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and multiconfiguration second-order perturbation theory (CASPT2) methods in conjunction with the cc-pVDZ and cc-pVTZ basis sets. Mechanisms for the following three dissociation channels of C₂H₃ in the A²A″ state were explored: (1) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → C₂H₂ (trans, ³A_u) + H, (2) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → C₂H₂ (cis, ³A₂) + H, and (3) C₂H₃ (A²A″) → H₂CC (³A₂) + H. The CASSCF and CASPT2 potential energy curve calculations for the C₂H₃ (A²A″) dissociation channels (1)–(3) indicate that there is neither transition state nor intermediate for each of the channels. At the CASPT2//CASSCF/cc-pVTZ level, the dissociation energies for channels (1)–(3) are predicted to be 84.3, 91.1, and 86.9 kcal/mol, respectively. For a recently observed nonadiabatic dissociation of C₂H₃ (A²A″) into C₂H₂ (X¹Σ_g⁺) + H [J. Chem. Phys. 111 (1999) 3783], two previously suggested internal conversion (IC) pathways were examined based on our CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations. Our preliminary CASSCF and CASPT2 calculations indicate that the assumed IC pathway via the twisted C₂H₃ (A²A^′) structure might be feasible. The CASSCF/cc-pVTZ geometry optimization and frequency analysis calculations were performed for the four C_2v bridge structures in the ²B₂, ²A₂, ²B₁, and ²A₁ states along the pathways of the 1²A^′ (X²A^′), 1²A″ (A²A″), 2²A″, and 2²A^′ states of C₂H₃, respectively, and the CASPT2//CASSCF/cc-pVTZ energetic results indicate that the assumed IC pathway, via a C_2v (²A₂) structure and then ²A₂/²A₁ surface crossing, be not feasible since at their excitation wavelengths (327.4 and 366.2 nm) the C_2v (²A₂) structure could not be accessed.     

Electronic structure of the radicals NF and NCl. III. The radiative lifetimes of the bΣ and aΔ states

The radiative lifetimes of the b¹Σ⁺ and a¹Δ states have been evaluated by perturbation expansions including X³Σ⁻, a¹Δ, b¹Σ⁺, 1^3,1Π, 2^3,1Π, 2³Σ⁻ and 2¹Σ⁺ states. All wavefunctions result from large MRD CI calculations. The b—X transition is dominated by the parallel transition moment; it is found to be much stronger than the a—X transition. The calculated radiative lifetimes of τ(¹Σ⁺)=18 ms, τ(¹Δ)=2.2 s for NF and τ(¹Σ⁺)=2.5–3.5 ms for NCl are in good accord with corresponding experimentally deduced values. The lifetime for the a¹Δ state in NCl is found to be τ(¹Δ)=1.1 s, ie. much longer than derived from a recent experiment. Its magnitude is consistent with the τ(b¹Σ⁺)/τ(a¹Δ) ratio of similar systems and with the decrease in lifetime from NF to NCl and is thus believed to be quite reliable. A detailed analysis of all contributions of the perturber states to the transition mechanism is made and comparison with the related data in SO, O₂ and S₂ is undertaken. The b-a transition probability dominated by the quadrupole transition is fairly constant in all the systems in the order of A = 0.013 (NF) - 0.0013 (S₂) s⁻¹.     

Two-photon excitation of h2o and D2O with a KrF laser (248 nm): photofragment fluorescence from OH and OD(A∑)

Photofragment fluorescence. From OH and OD(A ²∑⁺→X²π), has been observed following two-photon excitation of H₂O and D₂O in the gas phase with a KrF laser (248 nm). The rotational band contour of the OH fluorescence is the same as that observed following single-photon vacuum ultraviolet photolysis of H₂O at 123.6 nm.     

Intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy of caf AΠ-XΠ

The A ²Π-X²∑⁺ 0-0 transition of CaF has been examined by the technique of intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy (“Lamb dip”). The hyperfine structure due to ¹⁹F and the spin-rotation fine structure of the X ²∑⁺ state was determined. Parameter values of b = 104.0 (9) MHz, c = 58(6) MHz and γ = 38.6(2) MHz were found for v = 0 of X²∑⁺     

Lifetime measurements of electronically excited C3(Πu) radicals in different vibrational states

The radiative lifetimes of nine vibrational levels of the C₃(¹Π_u) radical were obtained from decay time studies of the C₃(¹Π_u → ¹Σ⁺_g) fluorescence induced by a tunable dye laser. The lifetimes of the different vibronic levels were found to be constant within the experimental error limits, namely, τ_o = (200 ± 10) ns. The collisional deactivation of the C₃(¹Π_u) states by helium gives rate constants between 2.5 and 4 in 10⁻¹¹ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ units.     

Calculation of CO(XΣ) + 0(P) recombination chemiluminescence spectrum

Relative emission spectra for the bent to linear, CO₂(¹B₂)---CO₂(X¹Σ⁺_g) transitions have been calculated using the model: harmonic oscillator, symmetric-top wavefunctions and energy levels for CO₂(¹B₂); first-orer Fermi resonance vibrational wavefunctions and energy levels for CO₂(X¹Σ⁺_g); a Boltzmann distribution of vibrational and rotational states in CO₂(¹B₂); and a constant electronic transition moment. With the literature CO₂(¹B₂) molecular structure, spectra calculated using this model show characteristics similar to the low-temperature chemiluminescence from the combination of atomic oxygen and carbon monoxide. The calculated spectra account for experimental band positions to wavelengths of 570 nm and the weak dependence of the spectra on temperature over the range 206–353 K. The latter result was obtained from a CO₂(¹B₂) bending fundamental of 600 cm⁻¹. The calculated spectra also show a violet-shift in intensity and an attenuated band structure at higher temperatures. The magnitude of these effects depends on the CO₂(¹B₂) force constants and not on the CO₂(¹B₂) molecular structure.     

MRD CI study on the low-lying states of AlP

Large-scale MRD CI calculations assign to AlP the ground state X ³Σ⁻ (9σ²3π²) and a close-lying state 1 ³Π (9σ3π³) (T_e = 0.08 eV). Up to transition energies of 2.0 eV, other states are described by the configurations 9σ3π³ (1¹Π), 8σ²3π⁴ (1 ¹Σ⁺), 9σ²3π² (1 ¹Δ and 2 ¹Σ⁺) and 9σ3π²4π (1 ⁵Π). The 2 ³Π state, located at ≈ 2.30 eV, shows a shallow double minimum. Numerous perturbations are expected to induce predissociation upon 2 ³Π. Multiplets arising from the occupation 8σ²3π³4π are clustered in the 3.25–3.50 eV region. Quintet states with the configuration 8σ9σ3π³4π are bound, with T_e values (in eV) of 3.80 (1 ⁵Σ⁺), 4.44 (1 ⁵Δ) and 4.88 (3 ⁵Σ⁻), respectively. The 9σ → 4s Rydberg members ⁵Σ⁻ and ³Σ⁻ lie in the 4.58–4.72 eV energy region. The first ionization potential (ionization to X⁴Σ⁻ of AlP⁺, 9σ → ∞) is estimated to be 7.65 eV. Ionization to the 1 ²Σ⁻ and 1 ²Π states of AlP⁺ is suggested to occur between 8.0 and 8.8 eV. The dipole moments of X ³Σ⁻, 1 ¹Δ and 2 ¹Σ⁺ are close to 1.0 D, whereas the 1 ¹Σ⁺ state has μ = 3.49 D; 1 ³Π and 1 ¹Π have dipole moments from 2.45 to 2.91 D. All low-lying states show a polarity Al⁺P⁻. Finally, the electronic structure and transition energies of AlP are compared with those of the isoelectronic species BN, AIN, and SiP⁺.     

The production of SO (Σ) by flash excitation of sulphur dioxide

The spectrum of SO (X³Σ⁻) has been observed following the flash excitation of sulphur dioxide with radiation above 250 nm. Sulphur monoxide is produced via an excited molecule mechanism involving triplet SO₂. The rate constant for the reaction ³SO₂ + SO₂ was measured as (3.1 ± 1) × 10⁸ M⁻¹ sec⁻¹.     

Autoionization spectra of Li2 and the XΣg ground state of Li2: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Autoionizing Rydberg levels of Li₂ molecules in a supersonic molecular beam are populated by stepwise excitation with two tunable pulsed dye lasers. The observed autoionization spectra show severe perturbations. Based on calculations of quantum defects and a perturbation treatment of l-uncoupling a tentative assignment of Rydberg series up to n = 32 is proposed. The convergence limits of these series yield a value of IP = 41475 cm⁻¹ for the adiabatic ionization potential and a vibrational constant ω_e = 263 cm⁻¹ for the X²Σ⁺_g ground state of Li⁺₂. The experimental results are compared with ab initio calculations combined with a core polarization potential, which yield the potential curve. the dissociation energy, the quadrupole moment and the vibrational frequency for the X²Σ⁺_g ground state of Li⁺₂, in the excellent agreement with experimental findings.     

Theoretical determination of the ionization potentials of the 1σ and 2σ electrons of CO(Σ)

Large-basis-set calculations of near Hartree-Fock accuracy were performed on CO⁺(1σ-hole ²Σ⁺) and CO⁺)2σ-hole, ²Σ⁺); correlation energies for these systems and for CO were calculated using an atoms-in-molecule approach, relativistic energies and vibrational structure corrections were also considered. The results are: IP(CO, 1σ) = 542.4 (542.57) eV, IP(CO,2σ) = 297.0 (296.24) cV, D_c(CO, ¹Σ⁺) = 10.8 (11.1) Ev, D₃(CO⁺, 1σ, ²Σ⁺) = 11.9 eV, D_e(CO⁺, 2σ, ²Σ⁺) = 9.1 eV, where IP and D_e stand respectively for ionization potential and dissociation energy, and where the numbers in parentheses refer to the most recent experimental values. The electron transfers resulting from the ionization of inner-shell electrons are discussed. Finally a quantitative correlation is developed correlating absolute chemical shifts to charge densities. Agreement between the calculated values and those derived from the correlation is quite satisfactory.     

The A Πu-X Πg emission spectrum of I2

The A ²Π_u-X ²Π_g electronic emission spectrum of I₂⁺ has been recorded at a low rotational temperature in a crossed molecular beam/electron beam apparatus. Six vibrational sequences with five or more members have been assigned to progressions in ν′, giving ω′_e = 122±8 cm⁻¹, but a full vibrational analysis has not been possible. It is not known whether this is due to the relatively poor resolution (≈5 cm⁻¹) at which the spectrum has been recorded or because the A ²Π_u state is perturbed in one or both spin-orbit components. Existing data on the A state of I₂⁺ are reviewed.     

Ab initio CCSD(T) and MRD-CI study of excited states and the electronic spectrum of linear C5

Large-scale ab initio coupled cluster and multi-reference configuration interaction calculations (MRD-CI) are carried out to determine the equilibrium geometry and the vertical electronic spectrum of linear C₅⁺. Contrary to prior theoretical estimates we find three low-lying states within an energy range of 0.3 eV: ²Σ_u⁺, ²Σ_g⁺ and ²Π_g and a symmetric arrangement of nuclei. Transitions from ²Σ_u⁺ to these low-lying states are dipole-allowed; sizeable oscillator strengths are computed for the ²Π⁺_g←X²Σ_u⁺ transition at 2.62 eV and the ²Σ_g←X²Σ_u⁺ transition at 3.36 eV and should give a guide to spectroscopic identification of linear C₅⁺.     

Rotational excitation of ions produced by the He(2 S) Penning ionization of CO and N2

Rotational-state distributions of the CO⁺ (A–X, B–X) and N₂⁺(B–X) emissions produced by the collisions of He(2 ³S) with CO and N₂ were studied in the collision energy (E_R range 100–200 meV. The rotational populations of the emitting states can be fitte by single Boltzmann temperatures (T_R. The T_R (320 ± 30 K) for the ν′ = 3 and 4 levels of the CO⁺ (A²Π) state are nearly independent of, or slightly increase with, E_R, while T_R for the CO⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state increases rapidly with E_R.The T_R (430 ± 20 K) for the N₂⁺(B²Σ⁺, ν′ = 0) state is nearly independent or slightly decreases with increasing E_R. Interactions providing these trends are discussed.     

Quenching of the translationally hot and thermalized NH(c Π) radicals by HN3

The cross section for the quenching of NH(c ¹Π, ν = 0) by HN₃ was measured by using a pulsed laser technique. A single rotational level of NH(c ¹Π, ν = 0) was formed by exciting NH(a ¹Δ, ν = 0) with a frequency doubled dye laser. NH(a¹Δ) was produced by photolyzing HN₃ with a XeCl excimer laser. The time profiles of the NH(c-a) fluorescence were measured at various pressures of HN₃. Experiments were performed both in the presence and in the absence of He buffer gas. In the absence of He, the NH radicals were found to be translationally hot; the average velocity was 3800±600 m s⁻¹. The quenching cross sections for the translationally hot and thermalized NH(c) radicals by HN₃ were determined to be (28±5) × 10⁻¹⁶ and (85±3) × 10⁻¹⁶ cm², respectively. No rotational level dependence could be observed in the quenching of the hot NH(c) radicals.