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Photodissociation Dynamics of Triatomic van der Waals Molecules

Citation

Cline, Joseph Isaac, III (1988) Photodissociation Dynamics of Triatomic van der Waals Molecules. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/f38f-hb60. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:01182013-155753371

Abstract

The spectroscopy and vibrational predissociation dynamics of triatomic van der Waals molecules are studied experimentally and theoretically at the state-to-state level of detail.

Laser-induced fluorescence spectra of HeCl2 are measured and the geometry and vibrational predissociation rate are obtained by a rotational analysis of the spectra and the determination of homogenous linewidths. A laser pump-probe technique is used to measure the vibrational and rotational state population distribution of the product Cl2. Although the Cl2 fragment has little rotational energy, its rotational distribution is bimodal. A symmetry selection rule for the dissociation results from the symmetry of the He • • • Cl2 van der Waals potential. Quantum mechanical calculations on a realistic potential energy surface are successful in modeling the experimental spectroscopy and dynamics.

The vibrational predissociation dynamics of NeCl2 is also measured using the pump-probe technique. In this case the Cl2 fragment shows significantly more rotational excitation than in the dissociation of HeCl2. The rotational distributions are bimodal and are relatively independent of the energy of the prepared state. The NeCl2 binding energy is estimated from thresholds for the populations of fragment rotational levels.

The vibrational predissociation of NeBr2 is studied by dispersing the fluorescence of the Br2 fragment. The product Br2 is rotationally cold. The closure of vibrational product channels is used to determine the binding energy of the molecule.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Chemsitry
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Janda, Kenneth C.
Thesis Committee:
  • Kuppermann, Aron (chair)
  • Janda, Kenneth C.
  • Beauchamp, Jesse L.
  • Dougherty, Dennis A.
Defense Date:18 January 1988
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSFUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:01182013-155753371
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:01182013-155753371
DOI:10.7907/f38f-hb60
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.450507DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 2.
https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.36.1944DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 3.
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.452204DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 4.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3969-1_39DOIBook chapter adapted for Chapter 5.
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7412
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:INVALID USER
Deposited On:22 Jan 2013 17:30
Last Modified:05 Nov 2021 20:04

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