Single state NH(X 3Σ−,v=0,J,N) preparation for state-to-state studies

A new method is presented to examine state-to-state rotational energy transfer in ground state NH(X 3Σ−,v=0,J,N). NH(X 3Σ−) is generated via state selective stimulated emission pumping using the strongly forbidden NH(a 1Δ→X 3Σ−) intercombination transition around 794 nm after foregoing photodissociation of HN3 at a wavelength of 266 nm. Products are detected by laser induced fluorescence (LIF). Chemically relevant collision dynamics including spatial processes can be studied for the first time in v=0 of the electronic ground state. State-to-state rate constants for inelastic collisions of NH(X 3Σ−,v=0,J=3,N=3) with Ne are presented.