Photochemistry with high power ultraviolet lasers

Abstract

Rotationally resolved photofragment fluorescence from OH(A2Σ+) following the coherent two-photon excitation of H2O with a KrF laser (248 nm), is reported and the dynamics of the dissociation process are discussed. Fluorescence from CN(B2Σ+) following two-photon excitation of ICN is also described. In both cases the energy distribution in the photofragments is shown to differ significantly from that observed with single-photon excitation at closely similar energies.Two further examples of multiphoton excitation, involving CS2 and SO2, are briefly discussed. In these cases absorption of a further photon, by fragments produced in the primary step, gives rise to strong laser-induced fluorescence.