Transfer of N2 Vibrational Energy to Potassium

Abstract

The transfer of vibrational energy from N₂ to electronic energy of potassium has been demonstrated experimentally. Vibrationally excited nitrogen N₂^‡ was obtained from the afterglow of a microwave disin N₂. Potassium vapor was admitted to the afterglow and 23 potassium emission lines between 3447 and 7699 Å were observed in the region of the potassium inlet. The N₂^‡ was deactivated by adding either N₂O or CO₂ to the afterglow. From measurements of potassium emission intensity and N₂O or CO₂ flow rates the rate constants for the deactivation of N₂^‡ by N₂O and CO₂ were found to be (1.4±0.2)×10⁻¹³ and (8.0±0.9)×10⁻¹⁴ cm³ molecule⁻¹·sec⁻¹, respectively. Ionization was observed downstream from the potassium inlet when N₂^‡ was present. Arguments are presented which eliminate all afterglow constituents other than N₂^‡ as sources of potassium excitation.