LIF DETECTION OF MOLYBDENUM ATOMS IN THE COLLISIONLESS 5-MU-M INFRARED MULTIPHOTON DECOMPOSITION OF MO(CO)(6)

The observation of Mo atom production by collisionless infrared multip hoton decomposition (IR MPD) of Mo(CO)(6) with second harmonic radiati on (approximate to 5 mu m) of a TEA CO2 laser is reported. Mo atoms in the ground state a S-7(3) have been detected by the UV laser induced fluorescence technique. The production of naked metal atoms has been e xplained by a sequence of IR MPD processes of parent Mo(CO)(6) molecul es and vibrationally excited photofragments Mo(CO)(x) (x < 6).