Laser spectroscopy of perturbed levels in N2(B 3Πg,v=10) and the first experimental determination of the N2(A’ 5Σ+g) term energy

Quintet electronic states of N2

We use large scale ab initio calculations to investigate the valence and valence-Rydberg quintet states of N(2), their transition moments and their spin-orbit couplings to the close lying triplet electronic states. In addition to the A' (5)Sigma(g)(+) and the C" (5)Pi(ui) states already known, we identify two weakly bound states (2 (5)Sigma(g)(+) and 2 (5)Pi(u)) at approximately 95,300 and 106,200 cm(-1) above N(2)(X (1)Sigma(g)(+), v=0). The other quintets are viewed to be repulsive in nature. Our potentials and couplings are used later to derive a set of accurate spectroscopic data for these quintets, their spin-orbit constants, and to elucidate the quintet-triplet dynamics and the role of these newly identified quintets for the production of cold atomic nitrogen.

Optogalvanic spectroscopy of the C″Πui5−A′Σg+5 electronic system of N2

We have recorded spectra involving the 3-1, 4-2, 2-0, and 2-2 bands of the C" 5Pi(ui)-A' (5)Sigma+(g) electronic system of N(2) using optogalvanic detection in a discharge through a supersonic jet expansion of argon mixed with a trace of nitrogen gas. The spectra have an effective rotational temperature of about 45 K. They involve all five spin-orbit components of the C" 5Pi(ui) state, which has allowed for precise determination of the spin-orbit coupling in this state. Analysis of the C" 5Pi(ui) state Lambda-doubling shows that it is caused primarily by a first-order spin-spin effect rather than by interaction with Sigma(u) (+/-) states. Our results allow us to assign lines in the 4-2 and 2-0 bands observed in a fluorescence depletion experiment conducted over ten years ago [Ch. Ottinger and A. F. Vilesov, J. Chem. Phys. 103, 9929 (1995)], and to comment on the suggestion that perturbations to the C (3)Pi(u) v=1 level of N(2) arise from interactions with the C" 5Pi(ui) state.

Experimental determination of a spin-orbit interval in the C" 5Pi(ui) state of 14N2

We have developed an experimental setup using the combination of laser optogalvanic detection and a supersonic expansion of excited N2 to record the high resolution spectrum of the (3-1) and (4-2) Herman infrared bands (C" 5Pi(ui)-A' 5Sigma(g)+). We report the first experimental determination of a spin-orbit interval (about 24 cm(-1)) in the C" 5Pi(ui) state of N2 for both the (3-1) and (4-2) vibrational bands as well as the first observation of the v' = 4 vibrational level.

STATE-RESOLVED COLLISION-INDUCED ELECTRONIC TRANSITIONS

▪ Abstract  Laser and molecular beam techniques have enabled researchers to determine the rovibrational levels populated in collision-induced electronic transitions from specified initial levels of several diatomic molecules. As exemplified by the N2+– and CN–rare-gas systems, such measurements, in combination with theoretical calculations of cross sections for these state-to-state collisional processes, provide a means to understand in detail the dynamics of these electronic quenching and energy transfer processes. The present article reviews state-to-state studies of collision-induced electronic transitions. The various collision systems studied provide examples of both perturbation-assisted “gateways” between the initial and final electronic states and perturbation-independent transitions enabled by nonadiabatic mixing induced by the collision partner.