Internal Energy Distribution in MgO(a3Π) Formed From Mg(3P) + O2 and N2O : A Case of Population Inversion

Abstract

The internal state distribution of MgO(a3Π) formed from Mg(3P) + O2 and N2O reactions was determined from a reanalysis of the laser induced fluorescence spectra of the d3Δ - a3Π system previously published by Dagdigian. The MgO(a3Π) state formed in the reaction with O2 has a quasi-Boltzmann distribution. In the N2O reaction the rotational excitation is much greater and the vibrational population distribution is inverted with a maximum at v = 2 - 3. The a3Π rovibrational population distributions are compared with those of the X1∑+ ground state. The dynamics of these reactions are discussed on the basis of earlier ab-initio calculations and experimental data.