Detection of O(3P2) by Vacuum Ultraviolet Laser Spectroscopy

Abstract

O atoms in the 3P2 state were detected by vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence (VUV LIF) technique. The O(3P2) atoms were produced by the collision between the O atoms in the 1D excited state and collision partner N2. O atoms in the 1D excited state were obtained by photodissociation of N2O at 193 nm laser light. As O(3P2) species has their first transition in the VUV region, the probe laser was used to excite O(2p3Pj) atoms to the O(3s3So) state at 130.212 nm. A four wave difference frequency mixing (2ω1−ω2) process using Kr as nonlinear media was employed to generate 130.212 nm probe laser light.