Microwave Optical Magnetic Resonance Induced by Electrons (MOMRIE) in H2 G(3d 1Σg+)

Abstract

The G(3d 1Σg+) state of H2 has been investigated using a new form of molecular double resonance spectroscopy, Microwave—Optical Magnetic Resonance Induced by Electrons (MOMRIE). This state is excited by electron bombardment of ground state H2 molecules residing in a microwave cavity in a magnetic field. Because of L-uncoupling effects, the magnetic moment is of the order of one Bohr magneton so its Zeeman levels can be tuned to resonance with X-band microwave frequency radiation by kilogauss magnetic fields. Such resonances are observed via changes in the polarization of the emitted visible radiation when the state decays. In attempting to interpret the MOMRIE spectrum, we have reviewed previous work on the optical energy levels of the 3d complex and have found the Zeeman effect calculated therefrom to be inadequate to match our present experimental precision; this is probably because of perturbations or inaccuracies in the previously reported optical spectrum. From an approximate Zeeman theory we have obtained values for the lifetime, g value, and nonlinear Zeeman effect in the N=1 level of the G(3d 1Σg+) state.