Dissociation dynamics of the low-lying Rydberg states of Xe₂: a velocity map imaging study

Abstract

The photodissociation dynamics of Xe₂ Rydberg states in the 76,900–80,000 cm⁻¹ region have been studied using a combination of resonance enhanced multi-photon ionization and velocity map imaging. By monitoring photodissociation product channels as a function of excitation energy, several localized and long range perturbations of the excited states have been identified. In addition, several new band systems have been observed and assigned as the Xe₂ 5d ²[1/2]₀°  ← X , 5d ²[1/2]₁°  ← X , 5d ²[3/2]₂°  ← X , and 5d ²[7/2]₃°  ← X transitions.

Keywords:

• xenon dimer
• rare gas complexes
• Xe₂
• Xe₂ ⁺
• photodissociation
• velocity map imaging
• van der Waals

Acknowledgements

It is with great pleasure that we dedicate this paper to our friend, colleague and mentor, Professor Peter Taylor on his 60th birthday. SRM will always be grateful to Peter for the invaluable support he provided to a young academic finding his way in independent science. Peter's obsession with the distinction between tactics and strategy will live long in the memory!

The authors would like to thank Mr. Alex Woodham for help during the data acquisition. Funding for this research was provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC, grant EP/C012070). WSH acknowledges funding from the Ramsay Memorial Fellowships Trust in the form of a Ramsay Memorial Fellowship.