Distribution of final states resulting from the autoionization of the Σg1(2pσu2) states of H2 and D2

Abstract

Using a simple classical model, we calculate the distribution of final states resulting from the autoionization of the ${}^1{\Sigma }_g{\text{(2pσ}}_u^2)$ state of H₂(D₂) to the ²Σ_g(1sσ_g) state of ${\mathrm{H}}_2^{+}({\mathrm{D}}_2^{+})$ . The population of vibrational levels differs markedly from that predicted by the Franck‐Condon principle for direct ionization. The calculated kinetic energy distributions of H⁺ and D⁺ have maxima at threshold (E_kin=0). The probability of forming dissociated products is smaller for D₂ than H₂.