PRODUCTION OF RG(-ENHANCED MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION SPECTROSCOPY OF RG-CENTER-DOT-NO (RG = AR, KR AND XE)() IONS IN THE RESONANCE)

The observation of rare gas cations (Rg(+)) in the multiphoton ionizat ion of Rg . NO is studied. Kr+ and Xe+ are produced when exciting via the (A) over tilde state of Rg . NO, in addition to Rg NO C. In contra st, only Xe+ is seen when exciting via the (C) over tilde state of Xe . NO, and only Kr . NO+ is seen when exciting via the (C) over tilde s tate of Kr . NO. Ar+ is not seen when exciting via either the (A) over tilde or (C) over tilde states of Ar . NO. The production of the diff erent ions is studied as a function of laser power by altering the las er intensity and focusing conditions. For excitation via the (A) over tilde state of Kr . NO, it is found that Kr+ production is favoured by high laser intensities, with Kr . NO+ being favoured by low intensiti es. Under tight focusing conditions for the one-colour experiments on Kr . NO, Kr+ ions are also produced on NO A <-- X resonances. Two-colo ur experiments are also performed on Kr . NO. The observation of Kr+ o n Kr . NO resonances is explained by intracomplex photoinduced charge transfer within the core of a Rydberg state, with collisional charge t ransfer between NO+ and Kr . NO also playing a role. The production of Kr+ on NO resonances is explained by photoinduced collisional charge transfer. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.