Photoelectron spectroscopy of sulfur atoms produced via two-photon dissociation of sulfur dioxide

Abstract

The 2+1 resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectrum of sulfur atoms produced by two-photon photodissociation of sulfur dioxide is reported for the wavelength range 252–263 nm. Photoelectron spectroscopy of many resonant ionizations reveals a propensity toward preservation of ion core configuration in formation of ionic species. Several pathways for production of pure populations of excited state 2DJo sulfur ions are documented. Photoelectron angular distributions show contributions from outgoing electrons with a maximum angular momentum lmax=2. Intermediate state alignment from two-photon absorption of ground state 3P0 sulfur atoms is demonstrated.