A3Πi and B3Σ– excited states of the SO radical. Part 1.—Laser-induced fluorescence study of the A–X system; excitation spectra and lifetimes

Abstract

The first observation of laser-induced fluorescence of the SO free radical is described. Using excitation with pulses of narrow-band laser radiation near 260 nm, the A³Π states of SO have been excited. Doppler-limited laser excitation spectra of SO (A³Π–X³Σ^–) are reported.

The radiative lifetimes τ₀ of quantum resolved (v′, J′) state of the A³Π(1) and A³Π(0) states are reported; the mean value of τ₀ was (16.4 ± 1.4)µs for v′= 1. Rate constants for quenching the A³Π(1) state of SO are also reported.

A proposal for an SO (A–X) electronic transition laser, giving near u.v. and visible (blue) output, is discussed.