Kinetic study of the spin orbit states of atomic germanium, Ge(43P0,1,2), by time-resolved attenuation of atomic resonance radiation

Abstract

Germanium atoms in all the three spin orbit states arising from the 4p² ground state configuration, 4³P₀, 4³P₁ (557 cm⁻¹), and 4³P₂ (1410 cm⁻¹), have been generated by the pulsed irradiation of GeBr₄ and monitored photoelectrically in absorption by time-resolved attenuation of atomic resonance radiation derived from a microwave discharge. The decays have been monitored in the presence of added gases and absolute second order rate constants for the removal of all three atomic states reported for the collision partners, He, Xe, O₂, CO, NO, and GeBr₄. These rate constants constitute the first detailed rate data for germanium atoms in any specific quantum state.