The optical–optical double resonance spectrum of 7Li2 excited by a single tunable cw laser

Abstract

The two-photon excitation spectrum of 7Li2 produced by a single tunable cw dye laser operating between 570 and 650 nm has been observed using ultraviolet fluorescence detection. The spectrum arises from optical–optical double resonance transitions from the X 1Σg+ ground electronic state to the F 1Σg+ and G 1Πg excited states via the A 1Σu+ intermediate state, in which vibrational and rotational relaxation also take place. Using the known molecular constants for these states, a theoretically predicted spectrum was found from which the prominent lines in the experimental spectrum could be assigned. The multiphoton ionization spectrum of Li2, previously observed and interpreted in terms of bound–free–bound triplet absorption bands, can be explained as OODR transitions among the above states followed by photoionization.