ENERGY-TRANSFER RATE CONSTANTS FOR HIGHLY EXCITED ROVIBRATIONAL LEVELS OF I2(X)

Rate constants for collisional transfer between highly excited levels Of I2(X) have been measured. A single vibration-rotation state (v'' = 42, J'' = 17) was populated by stimulated emission pumping. The prepar ed level, and collisionally populated levels, were detected by laser e xcitation of the D-X system. Relaxation kinetics were determined by va riation of the delay between the dump and probe laser pulses. Collisio ns with He, Ar, I2, and O2 were investigated. Rotational energy transf er rate constants were measured for all collision partners. Vibrationa l energy transfer (DELTAv = -1) was observed for He, and O2, but this process was immeasurably slow for Ar and I2.