REACTIVITIES OF SPIN-ORBIT STATES IN AL(P-2(1/2,3/2))+O-2(X(3)SIGMA(-)(G))-]ALO(X(2)SIGMA(+))+O(P-3(0,1,2)) - A FLUORESCENCE IMAGING STUDY

A crossed beam chemical reaction, Al(P-2(1/2,3/2)) + O-2 (X (3) Sigma(g)(-)) --> AlO(X (2) Sigma(+)) + O(P-3(0,1,2)) was investigated by fluorescence imaging techniques. Multiplex detection of speeds and quantum states of both reactants and products has been implemented. The two spin-orbit states of Al atoms display distinctive reactivities towards O-2 molecules. An electrostatic interaction model was employed to elucidate their dynamic behavior. A barrierless, attractive potential energy surface in the entrance valley of the allowed channel can be inferred from experimental results and model calculations.