Lifetime and predissociation yield of ¹⁴N₂b¹Πu(v=1) revisited: effects of rotation

Abstract

Coupled-channel Schrödinger-equation calculations of the lifetime of the b(v=1) level of ¹⁴N₂ reveal strong rotational effects, with extreme lifetime shortening at high J as a result of rapidly increasing predissociation. Comparison with experiment indicates that the apparent discrepancy between the results of Sprengers et al. [J. Chem. Phys.120, 8973 (2004)] and Oertel et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett.82, 552 (1981)] is an artifact, caused by the significant J dependence of the lifetime, together with differing experimental conditions. This comparison is facilitated by the analysis of further experimental data, not previously reported by Sprengers et al. The strong J dependence of the b(v=1)predissociation yield is likely to lead to significant consequences for the interpretation of N₂fluorescence spectra and aeronomical data. Show more