Temperature dependence for quenching of I(52P½) by CH3I and CD3I. Evidence for efficient electronic to vibrational energy transfer

Abstract

The temperature dependence for the quenching of I(5²P_½) by CH₃I and CD₃I has been determined over the range 230–440 K. A negative temperature dependence is observed for quenching by CH₃I, while quenching by CD₃I, which is ∼ 50 times less efficient, exhibits a positive temperature dependence. The quenching mechanism is considered in detail and it is concluded that efficient electronic to vibrational + rotational (E–VR) energy transfer occurs with CH₃I. The construction of an E–VR energy transfer laser, based solely on the photolysis of CH₃I is discussed.