Observation of the fourth positive system of CO in dissociative recombination of vibrationally excited CO+2

The CO fourth positive system obtained by dissociative recombination of CO₂⁺(X̃²π_g) ions has been observed under various conditions of CO₂⁺ vibrational excitation. It is shown that the CO(A¹π) vibrational distribution is directly linked to CO⁺₂ excitation. Implications for planetary airglows are discussed.     

Dynamics of the reaction H2+(He,H)HeH+. Influence of various forms of reactant energy on the total and differential cross section

Results of quasiclassical trajectory calculations of reactive processes between He atoms and H₂⁺ (υ, J) molecular ions in the collision energy interval 0.5–5.0 eV (c.m.) for a large number of selected υ, J combinations are analyzed with respect to the influence of the initial translational, vibrational, and rotational energy on the total and differential reaction cross sections. Vibrational energy is more effective in promoting the reaction than translational energy. Small rotational excitation has a negligible effect, whereas high rotational excitation has a similar influence on the reaction cross sections as the vibrational excitation of the same magnitude.     

C2 and CN formation by optical pumping of CO/Ar and Co/N2/Ar mixtures at room temperature

A continuous wave carbon monoxide laser is used to excite the vibrational mode of CO in CO/Ar and CO/N₂/Ar mixtures flowing through a gas absorption cell. High steady-state excitation of the CO vibrational mode (0.3 eV/molecule) is achieved, while a translational—rotational temperature near 300 K is maintained by the steady flow of cold gas into the cell. These non-equilibrium conditions result in extreme vibration—vibration pumping, population high-lying vibrational quantum levels (to V = 42) of CO. N₂ can also be pumped by vibrational energy transfer from CO. Under these conditions, C₂ and CN molecules are formed, and are observed to fluoresce on various electronic band transitions, notably C₂ Swan (A ³Π_g—X ³Π_u) and CN violet (B ²Σ⁺—X²Σ⁺).     

High-resolution UV photoelectron spectrum of CO2

The highly-resolved HeI photoelectron spectrum of CO₂ is presented and its vibrational structure studied in detail. In the X? ²Π_g ionic state the v₃ antisymmetric mode is found to be excited in double quanta (v_1-v_2-v₃ = 0. 0. 2) with energy hv₃ = 181 meV. In the C? ²Σ_g⁺ state a single quantum of the same mode is found to be excited (hv₃ = 189 meV) in combination with a v₁ excitation. Vibronic interaction with vibrational levels in the B? ²Σ_u⁺ state of the ion is suggested to promote this (1, 0, 1) excitation. It is established that inelastic scattering processes contribute to the vibrational structure in the C? ²Σ_g⁺ band. The spin-orbit splitting in the X? ²Π_g is determined to be 19±1 meV and 10±2 eV in the ā²Π_u state. Vibronic structure is resolved in the X? ²Π_g band where the Renner-Teller coupling constant is determined to be ? = 0.21±0.02 and the vibrational energy of the v₂ mode as 60±7 meV. In the ā²Π_u state the v₂ energy is found to be hv₂ = 60 meV from the observed hot-band structure.     

Observation and partial characterization of the 21 Σ u + state in K2

Laser excitation spectroscopy is performed on K₂ molecules produced in a supersonic molecular beam. 83 vibrational levels of the 2¹ Σ _u ⁺ state are observed under conditions permitting rotational resolution. The 2¹ Σ _u ⁺ state is partially analysed and its preliminary potential curve is compared with theoretical calculations.     

On the vibrational dependence of electron impact ionization of diatomic molecules

The dependence of the Na₂ electron impact ionization rate is measured as a function of vibrational excitation in a crossed molecule-electron beamm arrangement at collision energiesE _coll ≤ 3 eV above the ionization threshold. Specific vibrational distributions in theX ¹∑ _g ⁺ state with average vibrational energies of 0.17 eV, 0.276 eV, and 0.349 eV, are prepared via Franck-Condon pumping using a narrow-band cw laser. Enhancement of the ionization rate is observed only at impact energies near the ionization threshold where the ionization rate increases linearly as a function of vibrational excitation. Analysis of the experimental data is based on three model calculations. The first of these calculations equates vibrational energy with kinetic energy and agrees well with the experimental data. A second, more refined model allows for differences in state-to-state ionization rates and uses Franck-Condon factors to estimate transition probabilities, but leads to a less favorable agreement. The third one employs a semi-classical formulation of the Franck-Condon principle. It provides the best agreement with the experimental data. In contrast with an earlier study of electron impact ionization of diatomic molecules [20], we find no evidence of dynamical modification of the ionization rate, due to vibrational motion of the nuclei, at the present level of accuracy of our data and analysis.     

Influence of the vibrational quantum number of the resonant state in resonant multiphoton ionization/dissociation of hydrogen molecules

We have studied the resonant multiphoton ionization of hydrogen in a three-photon excitation, one-photon ionization scheme. Superimposed on the ionization process we find a dissociation mechanism which manifests itself in a strong H⁺ signal. The ratio of H⁺ to H⁺₂ signals depends on the vibrational quantum number v' of the intermediate state and on the laser intensity. We present a simple model which qualitatively reflects this dependence.     

The kinetic and internal energies of OH(A2Σ+) produced by electron stimulated desorption from TiO2, NaCl and SrF2 surfaces

The kinetic and internal energies of OH(A ²Σ⁺) radicals produced by electron-stimulated desorption from H₂O-exposed TiO₂, NaCl and SrF₂ surfaces are reported. The kinetic energies were determined by measuring the spatial extent of the fluorescence above each substrate surface, while the vibrational and rotational energies were determined by analyzing the intensity distribution of the rovibrational spectra. We find that OH* from NaCl and SrF₂ has low kinetic energy, 80 and 150 meV, respectively, and low rotational excitation, T_rot ≈ 340–450 K. OH* from TiO₂ is more energetic, E_kin = 250 meV and T_rot ≈ 1000 K. The OH* vibrational excitation is high. T_vib ≈ 2000 K, and independent of the nature of the substrate.     

Effect of rotation on vibrational excitation of H2 by Li impact

Coupled channel calculations of integral cross sections for rotational and vibrational excitation of H₂(X¹Σ⁺_g by collision with Li⁺ are reported for 1.2 eV in the c.m. system employing an ab initio potential energy surface and numerical vibration—rotation functions of the Koo?s—Wolniewicz potential function including adiabatic correction. Pure rotational excitation is found to strongly dominate the inelastic scattering occurring at this energy. Preparation of H₂ in various allowed non-zero rotational states is seen to enhance the 0 → 1 vibrational cross section by approximately an order of magnitude.     

Collision induced fragmentation of mass-selected (CO2) n + clusters

The collisional velocity dependence of the cross sections for fragmentation of mass-selected (CO₂) _n ⁺ (n+2...7) clusters in collisions with Ar atoms is presented. Interesting structure can be observed in the cross sections which indicate that the collision occurs between the Ar atom and one CO₂ molecule within the cluster. The results may be explained by assuming that the collision leads to either vibrational excitation of a loosely bound CO₂ monomer which then leaves the cluster or excitation of the entire cluster to a dissociative state.     

Optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy of high vibrational levels of the Na2 A 1Σu+ state in a molecular beam

High vibrational bands of the Na₂ A-X system are investigated in a molecular beam by two-step excitation at separate interaction regions. With a first laser A-state levels are optically pumped; they decay radiatively and populate high vibrational levels of the ground state (e.g. υ′' = 31). A second laser excitation starting from these prepared levels allows the investigation of high vibrational levels of the A state, for example υ′ = 66, 67, 68, 69 and υ′ = 70. From analysis of the υ′ = 66, …, 70-υ′' = 31 bands we obtain B(υ) and G(υ) and, including the data of others, we determined a new RKR potential curve for the A ¹Σ_u⁺ state, extending the experimentally determined potential from υ′ = 44 to υ′ = 70 (78% of the well depth).     

Vacuum ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra of Br2

Absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra of Br₂ in the region 125–170 nm have been recorded using tunable synchrotron radiation. Computer simulations of the absorption and dispersed fluorescence spectra have allowed identification of the upper electronic state responsible for the main fluorescence excitation system (150–167 nm), as the D(0⁺_u) ion-pair state. A potential function for this state is presented which accounts for vibrational levels up to ν′ ≈ 170 and a pronounced inflection on the inner wall of this potential, due to an avoided crossing, is identified at T_e + 15000 cm⁻¹. The mean radiative lifetime of the D(0⁺_u) state has been determined as ≈ 9 ns. An analysis of the 320–360 nm structured continuum fluorescence, from the D(0⁺_u) state to a lower repulsive state, is also given.     

Anharmonicity in rotational and vibrational excitation of H2 by Li+ collisions

Integral cross sections for pure rotational and vibrational-rotational excitation of H₂(X¹Σ⁺_g) by Li⁺(¹S) impact are computed by close-coupling methods at 0.2, 0.6, and 1.2 eV in the c.m. system using vibrational functions that are numerical solutions of the one-dimensional radial Schrödinger equation for harmonic, Morse, and adiabatically corrected Kolos-Wolniewicz (KW) potential functions. Comparison of results employing KW and Morse functions shows excellent agreement for all transitions studied. Findings using harmonic oscillator functions, however, differ noticeably from KW and Morse values for vibrational (0 → 1) and very large rotational (Δj = 10) transitions, but are satisfactory for lower order (0 → 2, 4, 6, 8) rotational transitions.     

The emission spectrum of the 1B1(π*-n+) state of 1,2-cyclobutanedione excited at 488.0 nm

The spectrum of the emission from the ¹B₁(π^*-n₊) state of 1,2-cyclobutanedione excited at 488.0 nm has been measured. Wavelengths and vibrational assignments are reported for 24 bands between 490 and 550 nm, 12 of which can be identified with hot bands in the absorption spectrum. Prominent bands in the emission spectrum are associated with excitation of V^''₈, the symmetric in-plane carbonyl bend (281 cm⁻¹); v^''₁₂, the asymmetric carbonyl wag (488 cm⁻¹); and v^''₇, a symmetric ring distortion (522 cm⁻¹). Sequences in v₁₃, the ring-twisting vibration, are also prominent; the initial excitation lies in the 13³₃ absorption band, while the emission shows intensity maxima for v^'₁₃ = 0 and 2, and a bimodal vibrational relaxation is suggested.     

Sensitization of the OH(A 2Σ+ → X 2Πi) emission by Hg(6 3P0) metastables

The electronic energy transfer process Hg(6 ³P₀) + OH(X²Π_i, υ = 0,K) → Hg(6 ¹S₀) + OH(A ²Σ⁺, υ,K) has been studied by the sensitized fluorescence method. A rather broad spectrum of rotational population, N_υ′K′, was obtained under conditions of minimum relaxation, which illustrates the non-resonant and non-optical nature of this energy transfer process. The fractions of the exoergicity, above electronic excitation of OH(A ²Σ⁺, υ = 0, K = 0), going into vibrational, rotational and translational excitation are 0.11, 0.31, and 0.58, respectively. A statistical mode of energy partitioning, such as would result from long-lived complex formation, seems to account well for these observations.     

Thermal energy charge transfer reactions of Ar+ ions with HBr and DBr molecules

HBr⁺ (A²Σ⁺-X²Π_i) and DBr⁺ (A²Σ⁺-X²Π_i) emissions are found up to v′=1 and v^′=2, respectively, from the thermal energy charge transfer reactions of Ar⁺ with HBr and DBr molecules in a flowing afterglow apparatus. Both A-state vibrational distributions have a peak at the lowest vibrational level, which are inconsistent with those expected from the energy resonance and/or Franck-Condon factors for ionization. This discrepancy is explained in terms of the distortion of target molecules by approach of reactant ions. Both A-state rotational distributions show that energies partitioned into rotation decrease with increasing vibrational levels, whereas the internal energy is nearly constant for all vibrational levels. The vibrational and rotational distributions obtained suggest that the reaction occurs at a relatively short distance and the product has a broad translational energy distribution.     

Electronic structure and vibrational frequency of Cr2

Cr₂ is produced by pulsed YAG laser vaporization of chromium metal and its fluorescence excitation spectrum is analyzed. The high value of vibrational frequency ΔG″_{$\text{1}\text{2}$} = 452.34 cm^?I (ω″^e ≈ 470 cm^?1) and short internuclear distance r″_e = 1.6788 Å are indicative of a very strongly bound ¹∑⁺_g ground state.     

Electron impact ion fragmentation of a laser vibrationally excited HF nozzle beam

The electron impact ion fragmentation of a hydrogen fluoride molecular beam excited by a cw HF laser into the v = 1 vibrational level has been investigated with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ratio of the F⁺ to HF⁺ ion signals is found to increase linearly with increasing degree of excitation and decreasing electron energy. The results are interpreted in terms of the Franck—Condon overlap with the ionic potential curves. These direct quantitative measurements demonstrate the use of a mass spectrometer as a probe of the degree of vibrational excitation of HF in a molecular beam.     

Rydberg states of the K2 molecule studied by laser spectroscopy in a supersonic beam

Rydberg states of potassium dimer have been studied in a crossed laser-molecular beam experiment. The K₂ molecules were formed in a supersonic expansion and excited by low-power cw dye laser. Two different excitation schemes have been used: The first scheme uses a single mode ring dye laser to induce near resonant two-photon transitions while in the second scheme stepwise excitation with two dye lasers is used. In each case excitation of Rydberg levels was detected by monitoring the ionization signal resulting from three-photon absorption. We report a detailed study of 700 two-photon resonances between 625 nm and 650 nm. Most of these signals can be assigned to transitions from the X¹σ _g ⁺ to¹σ _g ⁺ ,¹Π _g , and^1Δ _g states, which are all enhanced by the B¹Π _u intermediate state. Accurate rotational constants are given for the populated vibrational levels of these states. By stepwise excitation of Rydberg levels via theB ¹Π _u state we identify 3 series of Rydberg states as¹Δ _g (4S+nD),¹Σ _g ⁺ (4S+nD), and¹Σ _g ⁺ (4S+nS) with principal quantum numbers 7≦n≦20. Molecular constants of these and other observed but as yet unidentified states are given; quantum defects and dissociation energies are discussed.     

Photoionization of excited molecular states. H2 C 1Πu

We present photoelectron spectra for H₂ in the excited C ¹Π_u, υ = 0–4.J = 1 levels prepared by multiphoton excitation. In accordance with the Franck-Condon principle, the H₂⁺ vibrational state distribution is dominated by Δυ = 0 transitions from the C ¹Π_u state, illustrating a useful method for preparing vibrationally state-selected molecular ions. Equally important observed systematic departures from Franck-Condon factors, which provide detailed information on excited-state photoionization dynamics of molecules.