COLLISIONAL DEACTIVATION OF O2(1SIGMAG+)

Relaxation rates for O2(1Σg+) by nonradiative pathways have been determined using the fast‐flow technique. O2(1Σg+) is formed from O2(1Δg) by an energy pooling process. O2(1Δg) is generated by passing purified oxygen through a microwave discharge. Oxygen atoms are removed by distilling mercury vapor through the discharge zone. It has been observed that the wall loss rate for O2(1Σg+) decreases with increasing pressure of oxygen and thus appears to be diffusion controlled. Quenching rate constants for O2, N2, and He have been determined and found to be (1.5 ± 0.1) × 104, (1.0 ± 0.05) × 106 and (1.2 ± 0.1) × 105 l./mol·sec, respectively. Copyright © 1979 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.