Kinetic and spectroscopic studies of O2(a1Δg) by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultra-violet

Abstract

The collisional quenching of O₂(a¹Δ_g), formed in the ultra-violet photolysis of O₃, has been studied by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultra-violet. Quantitative rate data for quenching by the gases He, Ar, Kr, Xe, N₂, H₂ and CO are reported, together with the absolute rate constant for the reaction with O₃. A large number of new absorption systems of O₂(a¹Δ_g) are reported and analysed. Rydberg series leading to the first ionisation potential (O⁺₂X²Π) have been identified, and a number of transitions arising from vibrationally excited states of O₂(a¹Δ_g) are presented in Deslandres tables.