COLLISION-INDUCED DISSOCIATION OF LASER-EXCITED LI2(B1PIU)

Li2 molecules were laser-excited in a vapor cell in the presence of a foreign gas. Li (22P) atoms were detected by means of their fluorescence which was excited by a second laser. They were identified as dissociation products of Li2(B) by means of the pressure dependence of the fluorescence intensity. Relative dissociation rate constants were measured for the five rare gases and seven different (υ′/J′) levels of Li2(B). An inverse relationship with J′ was found. Absolute rate constants were derived, taking into account the mean lifetime of the Li(22P) atoms under the conditions of this experiment. © 1979.