Multiphoton ionisation spectroscopy of free radical species

Abstract

We survey the impact of resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation methods on our knowledge and understanding of the spectroscopy, the structure and the dynamics of excited electronic states of free radical species. Four radicals, the diatomics NH and SO, and the somewhat more complex methyl and allyl radicals, have been chosen as case studies to illustrate some of the many merits of this spectroscopic technique. We conclude with an anticipation of some of the likely future directions for this area of research.