Dissociation dynamics of the d 1Πg and C 3Πg v=0–2 vibrational states in O2.

Using translational spectroscopy we have studied the d 1Πg and C 3 Πg Rydberg states of O2 . The dissociation of the vibrational levels v=0–2 to all energetically accessible dissociation limits has been followed. The dissociation pathways directly reflect the predissociation mechanisms involved. For the d 1 Πg Rydberg state competition between predissociation by a 3 Πg valence state, due to singlet–triplet mixing, and by a 1 Πg valence state has been observed. Using the Fermi golden rule the observed vibrationally dependent competition is reproduced, corroborating the positions of the lower 1 Πg and 3 Πg valence state curves and yielding various coupling strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]