Electron decay following the N 1s ->pi* excitation in N-2 studied under resonant Raman conditions

We have measured decay spectra following the N Is --> pi* transition in N-2 with vibrational resolution in both the intermediate and final states. Usi ng photon energy steps of 60 meV subtle changes in both the participator an d spectator lines were observed. In particular, spectra measured at photon energies on the low-energy side of the first vibrational component of the a bsorption curve ("detuning") gave rise to vibrational collapse of the parti cipator lines. At higher photon energies vibrational-lifetime interference is observed on both participator and spectator lines. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.