QUANTUM INTERFERENCE IN THE SCHUMANN-RUNGE BANDS OF MOLECULAR-OXYGEN

The photoabsorption cross section of Oz in the Schumann-Runge bands is investigated theoretically using the coupled-channel Schrodinger-equa tions method. It is found that quantum interference between vibrationa l bands leads to significant asymmetry in the far line wings, a result supported by experimental evidence. Thus, Schumann-Runge cross sectio ns calculated with the usual band models based on Voigt line shapes ma y be in error in regions of weak absorption between vibrational band h eads, suggesting the need to re-evaluate aspects of atmospheric photoc hemistry sensitive to those regions.