Abstract

Molecules in a supersonic beam are excited to a predissociating state. By detecting only one of the fragments and specifically measuring its kinetic energy and rovibrational state, the rovibrational state of the other fragment can be uniquely determined without ever detecting the fragment. The dissociation energy of the molecule can also be determined to new levels of accuracy. The approach is based on time-of-flight techniques to accurately determine the speed and hence kinetic energy of the fragment. The rovibrational state of the fragment is determined by state specific excitation. A simple application of energy and momentum conservation then gives the dissociation energy and the rovibrational state of the undetected fragment.

© 1991 Optical Society of America