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Title: Spectroscopy, reaction, and photodissociation of highly vibrationally excited molecules

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5337071· OSTI ID:5337071

This research is designed to determine the nature of highly vibrationally excited molecules, probe unimolecular reactions at the level of individual quantum states, and study the dynamics of electronic photodissociation from highly vibrationally excited states. In our experiments, pulsed laser excitation of a vibrational overtone transition prepares a highly vibrationally excited molecule and time-resolved spectroscopic detection of products monitors their subsequent decomposition. We have used this scheme to follow unimolecular reactions of large and small molecules in both room temperature gases and supersonic expansions and to investigate the role that vibrational excitation plays in electronic photodissociation dynamics. These latter experiments, which we designate vibrationally mediated photodissociation, potentially determine the nature of the initial state prepared by vibrational overtone excitation as well as reveal unique electronic photodissociation dynamics for vibrationally excited molecules. 8 refs.

Research Organization:
Wisconsin Univ., Madison, WI (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86ER13500
OSTI ID:
5337071
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/13500-T1; ON: DE90003172
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English