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.