Selective excitation of ICN achieved via brute force orientation

Brute force orientation of ICN was achieved using a strong uniform electric field and supersonic expansion. When the dissociation laser at 249 nm was polarized parallel to the orientation field, the (II0+)-I-3 surface was preferentially accessed. The yield of CN in low rotational states was enhanced by similar to 50% compared with that from dissociation under perpendicular polarization. Highly rotationally excited fragments were not affected by the polarization direction of the dissociation laser, providing evidence of the contribution of a perpendicular surface in the absorption process. This work demonstrates the selectivity achieved via brute force orientation and the advantages thus offered for studies of photodissociative processes.