O(3PJ) Alignment from the Photodissociation of SO2 at 193 nm

Vacuum-ultraviolet based advanced oxidation and reduction processes for water treatment

The use of vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis in water treatment has been gaining significant interest due to its efficacy in degrading refractory organic contaminants and eliminating oxyanions. In recent years, the reactive species driving pollutant decomposition in VUV-based advanced oxidation and reduction processes (VUV-AOPs and VUV-ARPs) have been identified. This review aims to provide a concise overview of VUV photolysis and its advancements in water treatment. We begin with an introduction to VUV irradiation, followed by a summary of the primary reactive species in both VUV-AOPs and VUV-ARPs. We then explore the factors influencing VUV-photolysis in water treatment, including VUV irradiation dose, catalysts or activators, dissolved gases, water matrix components (e.g., DOM and inorganic anions), and solution pH. In VUV-AOPs, the predominant reactive species are hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ozone (O3). Conversely, in VUV-ARPs, the main reactive species are the hydrated electron (eaq-) and hydrogen atom (˙H). It is worth noting that VUV-based advanced oxidation/reduction processes (VUV-AORPs) can transit between VUV-AOPs and VUV-ARPs based on the externally added chemicals and dissolved gases in the solution. Increase of the VUV irradiation dose and the concentration of catalysts/activators enhances the degradation of contaminants, whereas DOM and inorganic anions inhibit the reaction. The pH influences the redox potential of ˙OH, the speciation of contaminants and activators, and thus the overall performance of the VUV-AOPs. Conversely, an alkaline pH is favored in VUV-ARPs because eaq- predominates at higher pH.

Photodissociation dynamics of SO2 via the G̃1B1 state: The O(1D2) and O(1S0) product channels

Produced by both nature and human activities, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is an important species in the earth's atmosphere. SO2 has also been found in the atmospheres of other planets and satellites in the solar system. The photoabsorption cross sections and photodissociation of SO2 have been studied for several decades. In this paper, we reported the experimental results for photodissociation dynamics of SO2 via the G̃1B1 state. By analyzing the images from the time-sliced velocity map ion imaging method, the vibrational state population distributions and anisotropy parameters were obtained for the O(1D2) + SO(X3Σ-, a1Δ, b1Σ+) and O(1S0) + SO(X3Σ-) channels, and the branching ratios for the channels O(1D2) + SO(X3Σ-), O(1D2) + SO(a1Δ), and O(1D2) + SO(b1Σ+) were determined to be ∼0.3, ∼0.6, and ∼0.1, respectively. The SO products were dominant in electronically and rovibrationally excited states, which may have yet unrecognized roles in the upper planetary atmosphere.

SO2 Photodissociation at 193 nm Directly Forms S(3P) + O2(3Σg-): Implications for the Archean Atmosphere on Earth

It is well-documented that photodissociation of SO₂ at λ = 193 nm produces O(³P_j) + SO X(³Σ^-). We provide experimental evidence of a new product channel from one-photon absorption producing S(³P_j) + O₂ X(³Σ_g^-) in 2-4% yield. We probe the reactant and all products with time-resolved photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy. High-level ab initio calculations suggest that the new product channel can only occur on the ground-state potential energy surface through internal conversion from the excited state, followed by isomerization to a transient SOO intermediate. Classical trajectories on the ground-state potential energy surface with random initial conditions qualitatively reproduce the experimental yields. This unexpected photodissociation pathway may help reconcile discrepancies in sulfur mass-independent fractionation mechanisms in Earth's geologic history, which shape our understanding of the Archean atmosphere and the Great Oxygenation Event in Earth's evolution.

High-Resolution Double Velocity Map Imaging Photoelectron Photoion Coincidence Spectrometer for Gas-Phase Reaction Kinetics

We present a new photoelectron photoion coincidence (PEPICO) spectrometer that combines high mass resolution of cations with independently adjustable velocity map imaging of both cations and electrons. We photoionize atoms and molecules using fixed-frequency vacuum ultraviolet radiation. Mass-resolved photoelectron spectra associated with each cation's mass-to-charge ratio can be obtained by inversion of the photoelectron image. The mass-resolved photoelectron spectra enable kinetic time-resolved probing of chemical reactions with isomeric resolution using fixed-frequency radiation sources amenable to small laboratory settings. The instrument accommodates a variety of sample delivery sources to explore a broad range of physical chemistry. To demonstrate the time-resolved capabilities of the instrument, we study the 193 nm photodissociation of SO₂ via the C̃(¹B₂) ← X̃(¹A₁) transition. In addition to the well-documented O(³P_j) + SO(³Σ^-) channel, we observe direct evidence for a small yield of S(³P_j) + O₂(³Σ_g^-) as a primary photodissociation product channel, which may impact sulfur mass-independent fractionation chemistry.

Potential energy surfaces and nonadiabatic transitions in the asymptotic regions of ICN photodissociation to study the interference effects in the F1 and F2 spin-rotation levels of the CN products

One of the most spectacular yet unsolved problems for the ICN A ~ -band photodissociation is the non-statistical spin-rotation F₁ = N + 1/2 and F₂ = N - 1/2 populations for each rotation level N of the CN fragment. The F₁ /F₂ population difference function f(N) exhibits strong N and λ dependences with an oscillatory behavior. Such details were found to critically depend on the number of open-channel product states, namely, whether both I (² P_3/2 ) and I (² P_1/2 ) are energetically available or not as the dissociation partner. First, in the asymptotic region, the exchange and dipole-quadrupole inter-fragment interactions were studied in detail. Then, as the diabatic basis, we took the appropriate symmetry adapted products of the electronic and rotational wavefunctions for the F₁ and F₂ levels at the dissociation limits. We found that the adiabatic Hamiltonian exhibits Rosen-Zener-Demkov type nonadiabatic transitions reflecting the switch between the exchange interaction and the small but finite spin-rotation interaction within CN at the asymptotic region. This non-crossing type nonadiabatic transition occurs with the probability 1/2, that is, at the diabatic limit through a sudden switch of the quantization axis for CN spin S from the dissociation axis to the CN rotation axis N. We have derived semiclassical formulae for f(N) and the orientation parameters with a two-state model including the 3A' and 4A' electronic states, and with a four-state model including the 3A' through 6A' electronic states. These two kinds of interfering models explain general features of the F₁ and F₂ level populations observed by Zare's group and Hall's group, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exploring the chemical kinetics of partially oxidized intermediates by combining experiments, theory, and kinetic modeling

Partially oxidized intermediates play a central role in combustion and atmospheric chemistry. In this perspective, we focus on the chemical kinetics of alkoxy radicals, peroxy radicals, and Criegee intermediates, which are key species in both combustion and atmospheric environments. These reactive intermediates feature a broad spectrum of chemical diversity. Their reactivity is central to our understanding of how volatile organic compounds are degraded in the atmosphere and converted into secondary organic aerosol. Moreover, they sensitively determine ignition timing in internal combustion engines. The intention of this perspective article is to provide the reader with information about the general mechanisms of reactions initiated by addition of atomic and molecular oxygen to alkyl radicals and ozone to alkenes. We will focus on critical branching points in the subsequent reaction mechanisms and discuss them from a consistent point of view. As a first example of our integrated approach, we will show how experiment, theory, and kinetic modeling have been successfully combined in the first infrared detection of Criegee intermediates during the gas phase ozonolysis. As a second example, we will examine the ignition timing of n-heptane/air mixtures at low and intermediate temperatures. Here, we present a reduced, fuel size independent kinetic model of the complex chemistry initiated by peroxy radicals that has been successfully applied to simulate standard n-heptane combustion experiments.

Final State Resolved Quantum Predissociation Dynamics of SO2(C̃1B2) and Its Isotopomers via a Crossing with a Singlet Repulsive State

The fragmentation dynamics of predissociative SO₂(C̃¹B₂) is investigated on an accurate adiabatic potential energy surface (PES) determined from high level ab initio data. This singlet PES features non-C_2v equilibrium geometries for SO₂, which are separated from the SO(X̃³Σ^-) + O(³P) dissociation limit by a barrier resulting from a conical intersection with a repulsive singlet state. The ro-vibrational state distribution of the SO fragment is determined quantum mechanically for many predissociative states of several sulfur isotopomers of SO₂. Significant rotational and vibrational excitations are found in the SO fragment. It is shown that these fragment internal state distributions are strongly dependent on the predissociative vibronic states, and the excitation typically increases with the photon energy.

A chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave/pulsed uniform flow spectrometer. II. Performance and applications for reaction dynamics

This second paper in a series of two reports on the performance of a new instrument for studying chemical reaction dynamics and kinetics at low temperatures. Our approach employs chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy to probe photolysis and bimolecular reaction products that are thermalized in pulsed uniform flows. Here we detail the development and testing of a new K(a)-band CP-FTMW spectrometer in combination with the pulsed flow system described in Paper I [J. M. Oldham, C. Abeysekera, B. Joalland, L. N. Zack, K. Prozument, I. R. Sims, G. B. Park, R. W. Field, and A. G. Suits, J. Chem. Phys. 141, 154202 (2014)]. This combination delivers broadband spectra with MHz resolution and allows monitoring, on the μs timescale, of the appearance of transient reaction products. Two benchmark reactive systems are used to illustrate and characterize the performance of this new apparatus: the photodissociation of SO2 at 193 nm, for which the vibrational populations of the SO product are monitored, and the reaction between CN and C2H2, for which the HCCCN product is detected in its vibrational ground state. The results show that the combination of these two well-matched techniques, which we refer to as chirped-pulse in uniform flow, also provides insight into the vibrational and rotational relaxation kinetics of the nascent reaction products. Future directions are discussed, with an emphasis on exploring the low temperature chemistry of complex polyatomic systems.

Excited state dynamics in SO2. I. Bound state relaxation studied by time-resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence spectroscopy

The excited state dynamics of isolated sulfur dioxide molecules have been investigated using the time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and time-resolved photoelectron-photoion coincidence techniques. Excited state wavepackets were prepared in the spectroscopically complex, electronically mixed (B̃)(1)B1/(Ã)(1)A2, Clements manifold following broadband excitation at a range of photon energies between 4.03 eV and 4.28 eV (308 nm and 290 nm, respectively). The resulting wavepacket dynamics were monitored using a multiphoton ionisation probe. The extensive literature associated with the Clements bands has been summarised and a detailed time domain description of the ultrafast relaxation pathways occurring from the optically bright (B̃)(1)B1 diabatic state is presented. Signatures of the oscillatory motion on the (B̃)(1)B1/(Ã)(1)A2 lower adiabatic surface responsible for the Clements band structure were observed. The recorded spectra also indicate that a component of the excited state wavepacket undergoes intersystem crossing from the Clements manifold to the underlying triplet states on a sub-picosecond time scale. Photoelectron signal growth time constants have been predominantly associated with intersystem crossing to the (c̃)(3)B2 state and were measured to vary between 750 and 150 fs over the implemented pump photon energy range. Additionally, pump beam intensity studies were performed. These experiments highlighted parallel relaxation processes that occurred at the one- and two-pump-photon levels of excitation on similar time scales, obscuring the Clements band dynamics when high pump beam intensities were implemented. Hence, the Clements band dynamics may be difficult to disentangle from higher order processes when ultrashort laser pulses and less-differential probe techniques are implemented.

Photofragment angular momentum distributions in the molecular frame. III. Coherent effects in the photodissociation of polyatomic molecules with circularly polarized light

We extend the a(q) (k)(s) polarization parameter model [T. P. Rakitzis and A. J. Alexander, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 224310 (2010)] to describe the components of the product angular momentum polarization that arise from the one-photon photodissociation of asymmetric top molecules with circularly polarized photolysis light, and provide a general equation for fitting experimental signals. We show that the only polarization parameters that depend on the helicity of the circularly polarized photolysis light are the A(0) (k) and Re[A(1) (k)] (with odd k) and the Im[A(1) (k)] (with even k); in addition, for the unique recoil destination (URD) approximation [for which the photofragment recoil v arises from a unique parent molecule geometry], we show that these parameters arise only as a result the interference between at least two dissociative electronic states. Furthermore, we show that in the breakdown of the URD approximation (for which the photofragment recoil v arises from a distribution of parent molecule geometries), these parameters can also arise for dissociation via a single dissociative electronic state. In both cases, the A(0) (k) and Re[A(1) (k)] parameters (with odd k) are proportional to cosΔφ, and the Im[A(1) (k)] parameters (with even k) are proportional to sinΔφ, where Δφ is the phase shift (or average phase shift) between the interfering paths so that Δφ can be determined directly from the A(q) (k), or from ratios of these A(q) (k) parameters. Therefore, the determination of these A(q) (k) parameters with circularly polarized photolysis light allows the unambiguous measurement of coherent effects in polyatomic-molecule photodissociation.

Photofragment angular momentum distributions in the molecular frame. II. Single state dissociation, multiple state interference, and nonaxial recoil in photodissociation of polyatomic molecules

We present an a(q) (k)(s) polarization-parameter model to describe product angular momentum polarization from the one-photon photodissociation of polyatomic molecules in the molecular frame. We make the approximation that the final photofragment recoil direction is unique and described by the molecular frame polar coordinates (alpha,phi(i)), for which the axial recoil approximation is a special case (e.g., alpha=0). This approximation allows the separation of geometrical and dynamical factors, in particular, the expression of the experimental sensitivities to each of the a(q) (k)(s) in terms of the molecular frame polar angles (chi(i),phi(i)) of the transition dipole moment mu(i). This separation is applied to the linearly polarized photodissociation of polyatomic molecules (asymmetric, symmetric, and spherical top molecules are discussed) and to all dissociation mechanisms that satisfy our recoil approximation, including those with nonaxial recoil and multiple state interference, giving important insight into the geometrical properties of the photodissociation mechanism. For example, we demonstrate that the ratio of polarization parameters A(0) (k)(aniso)/A(0) (k)(iso)=beta (where beta is the spatial anisotropy parameter) is an indication that the dynamics can be explained by a single dissociative state. We also show that for asymmetric top photodissociation, the sensitivity to the a(1) (k)(s) parameters, which can arise either from single-surface or multiple-surface interference mechanisms, is nonzero only for components of the transition dipole moments within the v-d plane of the recoil frame.

High-resolution Rydberg tagging time-of-flight measurements of atomic photofragments by single-photon vacuum ultraviolet laser excitation

By coupling a comprehensive tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) laser system to a velocity-mapped ion imaging apparatus, we show that high-resolution high-n Rydberg tagging time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of nascent atomic photofragments formed by laser photodissociation can be made using single-photon VUV laser photoexcitation. To illustrate this single-photon Rydberg tagging TOF method, we present here the results of the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF measurements of O((3)P(2)) and S((3)P(2)) formed in the photodissociation of SO(2) and CS(2) at 193.3 and 202.3 nm, respectively. These results are compared to those obtained by employing the VUV laser photoionization time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging technique. The fact that the kinetic energy resolutions achieved in the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF measurements of O and S atoms are found to be higher than those observed in the VUV laser photoionization, time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging studies show that the single-photon VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF method is useful and complementary to state-of-the-art time-sliced velocity-mapped ion imaging measurements of heavier atomic photofragments, such as O and S atoms. Furthermore, the general agreement observed between the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF and velocity-mapped ion imaging experiments supports the conclusion that the lifetimes of the tagged Rydberg states of O and S atoms are sufficiently long to allow the reliable determination of state-resolved UV photodissociation cross sections of SO(2) and CS(2) by using the VUV laser high-n Rydberg tagging TOF method.

Dynamics of reactions O((1)D)+C(6)H(6) and C(6)D(6)

The reaction between O((1)D) and C(6)H(6) (or C(6)D(6)) was investigated with crossed-molecular-beam reactive scattering and time-resolved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. From the crossed-molecular-beam experiments, four product channels were identified. The major channel is the formation of three fragments CO+C(5)H(5)+H; the channels for formation of C(5)H(6)+CO and C(6)H(5)O+H from O((1)D)+C(6)H(6) and OD+C(6)D(5) from O((1)D)+C(6)D(6) are minor. The angular distributions for the formation of CO and H indicate a mechanism involving a long-lived collision complex. Rotationally resolved infrared emission spectra of CO (1<or=upsilon<or=6) and OH (1<or=upsilon<or=3) were recorded with a step-scan Fourier-transform spectrometer. At the earliest applicable period (0-5 mus), CO shows a rotational distribution corresponding to a temperature of approximately 1480 K for upsilon=1 and 920-700 K for upsilon=2-6, indicating possible involvement of two reaction channels; the vibrational distribution of CO corresponds to a temperature of approximately 5800 K. OH shows a rotational distribution corresponding to a temperature of approximately 650 K for upsilon=1-3 and a vibrational temperature of approximately 4830 K. The branching ratio of [CO]/[OH]=2.1+/-0.4 for O((1)D)+C(6)H(6) and [CO]/[OD]>2.9 for O((1)D)+C(6)D(6) is consistent with the expectation for an abstraction reaction. The mechanism of the reaction may be understood from considering the energetics of the intermediate species and transition states calculated at the G2M(CC5) level of theory for the O((1)D)+C(6)H(6) reaction. The experimentally observed branching ratios and deuterium isotope effect are consistent with those predicted from calculations.

Photodissociation dynamics of OCS at 248nm: The S(D21) atomic angular momentum polarization

The dissociation of OCS has been investigated subsequent to excitation at 248 nm. Speed distributions, speed dependent translational anisotropy parameters, angular momentum alignment, and orientation are reported for the channel leading to S((1)D(2)). In agreement with previous experiments, two product speed regimes have been identified, correlating with differing degrees of rotational excitation in the CO coproducts. The velocity dependence of the translational anisotropy is also shown to be in agreement with previous work. However, contrary to previous interpretations, the speed dependence is shown to primarily reflect the effects of nonaxial recoil and to be consistent with predominant excitation to the 2 (1)A(') electronic state. It is proposed that the associated electronic transition moment is polarized in the molecular plane, at an angle greater than approximately 60 degrees to the initial linear OCS axis. The atomic angular momentum polarization data are interpreted in terms of a simple long-range interaction model to help identify likely surfaces populated during dissociation. Although the model neglects coherence between surfaces, the polarization data are shown to be consistent with the proposed dissociation mechanisms for the two product speed regimes. Large values for the low and high rank in-plane orientation parameters are reported. These are believed to be the first example of a polyatomic system where these effects are found to be of the same order of magnitude as the angular momentum alignment.

The photodissociation dynamics of OCS at 248nm: The S(PJ3) atomic angular momentum polarization

The dissociation of OCS has been investigated subsequent to excitation at 248 nm using velocity map ion imaging. Speed distributions, speed dependent translational anisotropy parameters, and the atomic angular momentum orientation and alignment are reported for the channel leading to S((3)P(J)). The speed distributions and beta parameters are in broad agreement with previous work and show behavior that is highly sensitive to the S-atom spin-orbit state. The data are shown to be consistent with the operation of at least two triplet production mechanisms. Interpretation of the angular momentum polarization data in terms of an adiabatic picture has been used to help identify a likely dissociation pathway for the majority of the S((3)P(J)) products, which strongly favors production of J=2 fragment atoms, correlated, it is proposed, with rotationally hot and vibrationally cold CO cofragments. For these fragments, optical excitation to the 2 (1)A(') surface is thought to constitute the first step, as for the singlet dissociation channel. This is followed by crossing, via a conical intersection, to the ground 1 (1)A(') state, from where intersystem crossing occurs, populating the 1 (3)A(')1 (3)A(")((3)Pi) states. The proposed mechanism provides a qualitative rationale for the observed spin-orbit populations, as well as the S((3)P(J)) quantum yield and angular momentum polarization. At least one other production mechanism, leading to a more statistical S-atom spin-orbit state distribution and rotationally cold, vibrationally hot CO cofragments, is thought to involve direct excitation to either the (3)Sigma(-) or (3)Pi states.

Photofragment angular momentum distribution beyond the axial recoil approximation: Predissociation

We present the quantum mechanical expressions for the angular momentum distribution of the photofragments produced in slow predissociation. The paper is based on our recent theoretical treatment [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 034307 (2005)] of the recoil angle dependence of the photofragment multipole moments which explicitly treat the role of molecular axis rotation on the electronic angular momentum polarization of the fragments. The electronic wave function of the molecule was used in the adiabatic body frame representation. The rigorous expressions for the fragment state multipoles which have been explicitly derived from the scattering wave function formalism have been used for the case of slow predissociation where a molecule lives in the excited quasibound state much longer than a rotation period. Possible radial nonadiabatic interactions were taken into consideration. The optical excitation of a single rotational branch and the broadband incoherent excitation of all possible rotational branches have been analyzed in detail. The angular momentum polarization of the photofragments has been treated in the high-J limit. The polarization of the photofragment angular momenta predicted by the theory depends on photodissociation mechanism and can in many cases be significant.

Electronic angular momentum polarizations of photofragments: a case study of ICN photodissociation from a perpendicular transition

A quantum treatment on ICN photodissociation from an initial perpendicular transition (Omega'=+/-1<--Omega"=0) to the asymptote CN(|Sigma+,J'M'N'1/2>)+I(2P3/2) is presented. Density matrices of both photofragments are derived and explicit expressions of the state multipoles in terms of the angular momentum coupling coefficients and the rotation-bending factors have been obtained. To perceive the physical origin of electronic angular momentum polarizations of the iodine photofragments, a correlation scheme which considers the magnetic dipolar and the electrostatic dipole-quadrupole interactions between I and CN cofragments is proposed. For ICN precursors in the vibrational ground state or in the equally populated l-type split levels, the alignment parameters of the iodine photofragments in the molecular frame can be calculated according to this long-range interaction model. For the perpendicular transition |1Pi1><--|1Sigma0+>, its alignment parameters of I(2P3/2) from the incoherent and coherent transitions to the |Omega'=1> and |Omega'=-1> components are rho(0)2(1Pi1)=0.756 and rho2(2)(1Pi1)=-0.656, respectively. For the perpendicular transition to |3Pi1>, rho(0)2(3Pi1)=-0.878 and rho2(2)(3Pi1)=0.328 are from the incoherent transition, whereas rho(0)2(3Pi1)=0.122 and rho2(2)(3Pi1)=0.328 are from the coherent transition. To analyze the photoion images of iodine photofragments, angular distributions of I+ from the 2+1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization detection scheme are derived.

S(D21) atomic orbital polarization in the photodissociation of OCS at 193nm: Construction of the complete density matrix

The absolute velocity-dependent alignment and orientation for S(1D2) atoms from the photodissociation of OCS at 193 nm were measured using the dc slice imaging method. Three main peaks ascribed to specific groups of high rotational levels of CO in the vibrational ground state were found, with rotationally resolved rings in a fourth slow region ascribed to weak signals associated with excited vibrational states of CO. The observed speed-dependent beta and polarization parameters support the interpretation that there are two main dissociation processes: a simultaneous two-surface (A' and A") excitation and the initial single-surface (A') excitation followed by the nonadiabatic crossing to ground state. At 193 nm photodissociation, the nonadiabatic dissociation process is strongly enhanced relative to longer wavelengths. The angle- and speed-dependent S(1D2) density matrix can be constructed including the higher order (K = 3,4) contributions for the circularly polarized dissociation light. This was explicitly done for selected energies and angles. It was found in one case that the density matrix is sensitively affected by the rank 4 terms, suggesting that the higher order contributions should not be overlooked for an accurate picture of the dissociation dynamics in this system.

The photodissociation dynamics of ozone at 193nm: An O(D21) angular momentum polarization study

Polarized laser photolysis, coupled with resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization detection of O(1D2) and velocity-map ion imaging, has been used to investigate the photodissociation dynamics of ozone at 193 nm. The use of multiple pump and probe laser polarization geometries and probe transitions has enabled a comprehensive characterization of the angular momentum polarization of the O(1D2) photofragments, in addition to providing high-resolution information about their speed and angular distributions. Images obtained at the probe laser wavelength of around 205 nm indicate dissociation primarily via the Hartley band, involving absorption to, and diabatic dissociation on, the B 1B2(3 1A1) potential energy surface. Rather different O(1D2) speed and electronic angular momentum spatial distributions are observed at 193 nm, suggesting that the dominant excitation at these photon energies is to a state of different symmetry from that giving rise to the Hartley band and also indicating the participation of at least one other state in the dissociation process. Evidence for a contribution from absorption into the tail of the Hartley band at 193 nm is also presented. A particularly surprising result is the observation of nonzero, albeit small values for all three rank K = 1 orientation moments of the angular momentum distribution. The polarization results obtained at 193 and 205 nm, together with those observed previously at longer wavelengths, are interpreted using an analysis of the long range quadrupole-quadrupole interaction between the O(1D2) and O2(1Deltag) species.

The photodissociation dynamics of NO2 at 308nm and of NO2 and N2O4 at 226nm

Velocity-map ion imaging has been applied to the photodissociation of NO(2) via the first absorption band at 308 nm using (2 + 1) resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization detection of the atomic O((3)P(J)) products. The resulting ion images have been analyzed to provide information about the speed distribution of the O((3)P(J)) products, the translational anisotropy, and the electronic angular momentum alignment. The atomic speed distributions were used to provide information about the internal quantum-state distribution in the NO coproducts. The data were found to be consistent with an inverted NO vibrational quantum-state distribution, and thereby point to a dynamical, as opposed to a statistical dissociation mechanism subsequent to photodissociation at 308 nm. Surprisingly, at this wavelength the O-atom electronic angular momentum alignment was found to be small. Probe-only ion images obtained under a variety of molecular-beam backing-pressure conditions, and corresponding to O atoms generated in the photodissociation of either the monomer, NO(2), or the dimer, N(2)O(4), at 226 nm, are also reported. For the monomer, where 226 nm corresponds to excitation into the second absorption band, the kinetic-energy release distributions are also found to indicate a strong population inversion in the NO cofragment, and are shown to be remarkably similar to those previously observed in the wavelength range of 193-248 nm. Mechanistic implications of this result are discussed. At 226 nm it has also been possible to observe directly O atoms from the photodissociation of the dimer. The O-atom velocity distribution has been analyzed to provide information about its production mechanism.

Atomic polarization in the photodissociation of diatomic molecules

The angular momentum polarization of atomic photofragments provides a detailed insight into the dynamics of the photodissociation process. In this article, the origins of electronic angular momentum polarization are introduced and experimental and theoretical methods for the measurement or calculation of atomic orientation and alignment parameters described. Many diatomic photodissociation systems are surveyed, in order to provide an overview both of the historical development of the field and of the most state-of-the-art contemporary studies.

The photodissociation dynamics of O2 at 193 nm: an O(3PJ) angular momentum polarization study

In the following paper we present translational anisotropy and angular momentum polarization data for O((3)P(1)) and O((3)P(2)) products of the photodissociation of molecular oxygen at 193 nm. The data were obtained using polarized laser photodissociation coupled with resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and velocity-map ion imaging. Under the jet-cooled conditions employed, absorption is believed to be dominated by excitation into the Herzberg continuum. The experimental data are compared with previous experiments and theoretical calculations at this and other wavelengths. Semi-classical calculations performed by Groenenboom and van Vroonhoven [J. Chem. Phys, 2002, 116, 1965] are used to estimate the alignment parameters arising from incoherent excitation and dissociation and these are shown to agree qualitatively well with the available experimental data. Following the work of Alexander et al. [J. Chem. Phys, 2003, 118, 10566], orientation and alignment parameters arising from coherent excitation and dissociation are modelled more approximately by estimating phase differences generated subsequent to dissociation via competing adiabatic pathways leading to the same asymptotic products. These calculations lend support to the view that large values of the coherent alignment moments, but small values of the corresponding orientation moments, could arise from coherent excitation of (and subsequent dissociation via) parallel and perpendicular components of the Herzberg I, II and III transitions.

REMPI-TOF studies of the translational anisotropy and the polarization of the O (1D2) photofragment angular momentum following ozone photolysis at 298 nm

The translational anisotropy and the polarization of the electronic angular momentum of the O ((1)D2) fragment produced from the 298 nm photodissociation of ozone have been determined using resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) in conjunction with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). The translational anisotropy parameter beta, which is necessarily averaged over the O2 co-fragment rotational distribution, is measured to be 1.08 +/- 0.04. This is consistent with that expected for the (1)B2 <-- (1)A1 transition within an impulsive model if the tangential velocity associated with the zero point motion of the bend is constricted to opening the bond angle. Molecular frame polarization parameters of rank up to k = 4 have been extracted for the O ((1)D2) fragment and the calculated m(J) populations show a strong preference for the absolute value(m(J)) = 1 states. A small coherence term is also observed, a manifestation of the nuclear geometry of the dissociating molecule and the existence of possible non-adiabatic processes in the exit channel. The orientation associated with the mapping of the photon helicity onto the O ((1)D2) electronic angular momentum distribution was observed to have been quenched. However, the parameter gamma1', which describes the contribution to the orientation from a coherent superposition of a parallel and perpendicular excitation where the photofragment angular momentum lies perpendicular to both the recoil velocity and to the transition dipole moment, was determined to be -0.06.

Imaging the dynamics of gas phase reactions

Ion imaging methods are making ever greater impact on studies of gas phase molecular reaction dynamics. This article traces the evolution of the technique, highlights some of the more important breakthroughs with regards to improving image resolution and in image processing and analysis methods, and then proceeds to illustrate some of the many applications to which the technique is now being applied--most notably in studies of molecular photodissociation and of bimolecular reaction dynamics.

State-to-state photodissociation of carbonyl sulfide (ν2=0,1∣JlM). II. The effect of initial bending on coherence of S(D21) polarization

Photodissociation studies using ion imaging are reported, measuring the coherence of the polarization of the S((1)D(2)) fragment from the photolysis of single-quantum state-selected carbonyl sulfide (OCS) at 223 and 230 nm. A hexapole state-selector focuses a molecular beam of OCS parent molecules in the ground state (nu2=0mid R:JM=10) or in the first excited bending state (nu2=1mid R:JlM=111). At 230 nm photolysis the Im[a1 (1)(parallel, perpendicular)] moment for the fast S(1D2) channel increases by about 50% when the initial OCS parent state changes from the vibrationless ground state to the first excited bending state. No dependence on the initial bending state is found for photolysis at 223 nm. We observe separate rings in the slow channel of the velocity distribution of S(1D2) correlating to single CO(J) rotational states. The additional available energy for photolysis at 223 nm is found to be channeled mostly into the CO(J) rotational motion. An improved value for the OC-S bond energy D0=4.292 eV is reported.

Universal and State-Resolved Imaging of Chemical Dynamics

We showcase the use of high-resolution ion imaging with complementary state-resolved and "universal" vacuum ultraviolet probes to address a broad range of fundamental problems in chemical reaction dynamics. Examples from our recent work include applications in state-correlated unimolecular reactions, ion pair dissociation dynamics and spectroscopy, crossed-beam reactive scattering, and atomic angular momentum polarization in photodissociation. These studies are all directed to achieving a detailed understanding of atomic and molecular interactions, with particular emphasis on reaction mechanisms outside the scope of transition state theory; on spectroscopy and dynamics of highly excited, transient species; on nonadiabatic reaction mechanisms; and on chemical dynamics in polyatomic systems.