Rotational state selectivity in N2 + X 2∑g +(ν+ = 0) by delayed pulsed field ionization spectroscopy via the a″ 1∑g + (ν′ = 0) state

S.R. Mackenzie, F Merkt, E Halse, T Softley

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    Abstract

    The pulsed field ionization (PFI) spectrum of nitrogen is recorded involving overall transitions from the neutral ground state, X 1∑g + (ν″ = 0), to the lowest vibrational state of the ion, N2 + X 2∑g + (ν+ = 0). In our apparatus, designed for the study of state selected ion-molecule reactions, it is demonstrated that clean populations of ions with rotational angular momentum quantum number N + = 0-6 can be produced by the PFI of high-n Rydberg states. These Rydberg states are populated here in a (2 + 1′) two-colour excitation scheme, resonant at the two-photon level with the a″ 1∑g + (ν′ = 0) Rydberg state. More than 102 state selected ions are produced per laser pulse. Conclusive evidence is presented for rotational channel interactions being responsible for the enhanced relative intensities of the branches corresponding to transitions involving N + - J′ < 0 in the final step. Several interloper states contributing to this process are identified unambiguously. Detailed experiments on one threshold (N + = 1), using pulsed extraction fields and dc discrimination fields of different magnitudes, confirm that, in our experiment, PFI occurs diabatically. Evidence is presented of long lived states above the classical adiabatic threshold. A comparison of measured intensities with those calculated using the model of Buckingham, Orr and Sichel is made.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1283-1297
    Number of pages15
    JournalMolecular Physics
    Volume86
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 1995

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