THEORY OF RESONANT 2-PHOTON DISSOCIATION OF NA2

The quantum scattering theory of resonant two-photon (omega1 + omega2) dissociation is developed and applied to Na2 photodissociation. In the energy range considered, photodissociation primarily occurs via excitation to the A 1SIGMA(u) state, intersystem crossing to the b 3PI(u) state, and subsequent excitation to the triplet continuum. Photodissociation rates to produce Na(3s) + Na(3d), Na(3s) + Na(4s), and Na(3s) + Na(3p) are reported as a function of both omega1 and omega2. Characteristic features due to spin-orbit coupling and to multiple product production are observed and discussed.