Photo-induced vibrational predissociation of the van der Waals molecule (N2O)2

Abstract

An apparatus is described in which a supersonic beam of nitrous oxide in helium impinges upon a 2 °K silicon bolometer, or alternatively, is detected by a mass spectrometer. Laser excitation of the beam in the vicinity of ν₃ of nitrous oxide decreases the flux of the van der Waal’s molecule (N₂O)₂ reaching the bolometer. Thus, excitation of ν₃ is followed by vibrational predissociation of the van der Waal’s bond.