1+1′ resonant multiphoton ionisation of OH radicals via the A ²Σ⁺ state: Insights from direct comparison with A-X laser-induced fluorescence detection

A 1+1′ resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation (REMPI) scheme for OH X²Π radicals is characterised for a broad range of intermediate A²Σ⁺ (v = 1, J, Fi) levels. The intensities of OH A-X (1,0) transitions detected by subsequent fixed-frequency VUV ionisation are compared with those obtained by near simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements. The ratios of the 1+1′ REMPI to LIF signals are used to derive enhancement factors which reflect the VUV absorption to the OH A ³Π, 3d, v = 0 Rydberg state and/or the fast autoionisation process that yields OH⁺ ions. The determination of the enhancement factors permits 1+1′ REMPI to be utilised as a quantitative state-specific probe of OH X²Π radicals.