Multiphoton Vacuum UV Photodissociation of Simple Polyatomic Molecules

Abstract

With rare-gas-halide lasers, it is possible to obtain information involving high energy primary dissociations of isolated molecules. The short pulse and high powers make multiphoton excitation likely. Processes may result either from simultaneous or sequential two-photon absorptions. In addition, fragments formed during the photolysis pulse can undergo excitation. Multiphoton pumping mechanisms can give rise to efficient production of extremely energetic fragments. Multiphoton dissociation of CH₃Br at 193 nm leads to CH emission from two electronically excited states. We also report results of a study of the photodissociation of acetylene at 193 nm.