Resonant multiphoton dissociation of the NO molecule

The multiphoton dissociation of an unexcited NO molecule involving intermediate Rydberg states n?σ(²∑⁺), n?π(²П), and n?δ(²Δ), which are populated by a weak probe field and decay owing to nonadiabatic transitions in the predissociation states of valence configurations B′²Δ, L ²П, I ²∑⁺, and B ²П, has been studied. The role of the ponderomotive interaction that occurs under the simultaneous action of an intensive electromagnetic monochromatic radiation on the studied system has been analyzed. A theory to describe the dynamics of the process has been described. The possibilities of laser stimulation of this process, which consist in the search for ranges of variation in the frequencies and intensities of laser radiation that provide the highest efficiency of the resonant photostimulated process, have been discussed.