Fragmentation dynamics and energy disposal in photodissociation of (N2O)2+ in the 458–660 nm wavelength range

The nitrous oxide dimer cation (N₂O)₂⁺ has been studied in the visible wavelength range by photodissociation of a mass-selected high-energy ion beam followed by energy analysis of the charged photofragments. Information on the angular anisotropy of the fragmentation process has been obtained by rotating the polarization direction of the laser light. The results allow conclusions to be drawn about the lifetime of the optically accessed excited electronic state and on the energy disposal in the photofragmentation event.