Structure and dynamics of the electronically excited C 1 and D 0+ states of ArXe from high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet spectra

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Vacuum ultraviolet spectra of the C 1 ← X 0(+) and D 0(+) ← X 0(+) band systems of ArXe have been recorded at high resolution. Analysis of the rotational structure of the spectra of several isotopomers, and in the case of Ar(129)Xe and Ar(131)Xe also of the hyperfine structure, has led to the derivation of a complete set of spectroscopic parameters for the C 1 and D 0(+) states. The rovibrational energy level structure of the C 1 state reveals strong homogeneous perturbations with neighboring Ω = 1 electronic states. The analysis of isotopic shifts led to a reassignment of the vibrational structure of the C 1 state. The observation of electronically excited Xe fragments following excitation to the C state rotational levels of f parity indicates that the C state is predissociated by the electronic state of 0(-) symmetry associated with the Ar((1)S(0)) + Xe(6s(')[1/2](0) (o)) dissociation limit. The observed predissociation dynamics differ both qualitatively and quantitatively from the behavior reported in previous investigations. An adiabatic two-state coupling model has been derived which accounts for the irregularities observed in the rovibronic and hyperfine level structure of the C 1 state. The model predicts the existence of a second state of Ω = 1 symmetry, supporting several tunneling/predissociation resonances located ~200 cm(-1) above the C 1 state.