Abstract

Radiative lifetimes were measured for the v′ = 2…7 levels of CN(A²Π_i). The results were lower than predicted by theory, although the expected decrease in lifetime with increasing vibrational excitation was observed. Rapid collisional vibrational and electronic energy transfer was also seen. Ground state CN radicals were formed by the excimer laser photolysis of C₂N₂, followed by dye laser excitation of CN(A). Vibrational cascading in the A state was monitored by following the emission from A state vibrational levels. Electronic energy transfer was followed by exciting LIF from high vibrational levels of the ground state.

© 1992 Optical Society of America