Vector correlations in the O2(a1Δg, v = 1) fragment formed in the 265 nm photodissociation of ozone

Abstract

Angular momentum polarisation and translational anisotropy have been measured for the J = 17 and 18 rotational levels in the O2(a1Δg, v = 1) fragment formed from the photodissociation of ozone at 265 nm. The results show similarities to those previously measured for the most populated vibrational level, v = 0, produced from photolysis in the Hartley band. Translational anisotropy parameters are very similar for both fragments, consistent with prompt dissociation from a bent intermediate. Angular momentum alignment and orientation, however, are found to be consistently lower for J = 17, compared with J = 18, and the magnitude of the depolarisation is consistent with previous results obtained for the odd and even J fragments in v = 0, produced with the same speed at longer photolysis wavelengths. The results indicate a vibrational-state-independent mechanism for the difference in polarisation between even and odd rotational states observed at relatively low fragment speeds.