Lifetime measurements on the c′41Σu+, v=0, 1 and 2 states of molecular nitrogen

Excited state lifetimes of c(4)('1)Sigma (+)(u), upsilon = 0-2 states of molecular nitrogen have been determined in a laboratory investigation using a picosecond XUV laser in a pump-probe configuration. For c(4)('1)Sigma (+)(u) upsilon = 0 the lifetime is tau = 740 +/- 50 ps, for the lowest rotational states. For higher rotational states a gradual shift towards tau = 495 ps is found in agreement with previous findings that these states are subject to predissociation. For c(4)(') Sigma (+)(u) upsilon = 1 no J-dependence is found and values for two isotopomers are reported: tau = 240 ps for (NN)-N-14-N-15 = 240 ps for (NN)-N-14-N-15. For c(4)('1)Sigma (+)(u) upsilon = 2 a lifetime for the lowest rotational states (J = 0-3) was derived: tau = 675 +/- 50 ps; for J = 11 a lifetime of tau less than or equal to 120 ps is deduced. All values for the lifetimes including the J-dependences are explained in a model based on Rydberg-valence interaction. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.