Vibrational Distributions of N2 (A3∑+u) in the nitrogen afterglow

Absolute populations of the lowest six vibrational levels of N₂ (A³∑⁺_u) have been measured under various conditions in the Lewis-Rayleigh afterglow of nitrogen for the first time. These vibrational distributions are interpreted in terms of a simple kinetic model which permits the evaluation of rate constants for vibrational relaxation of the A-state levels by V-V energy transfer to ground state nitrogen molecules.