STATE-RESOLVED PHOTODISSOCIATION OF N2O

The photodissociation of N2O at 203-205 nm has been investigated using state-resolved resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization. The data ar e consistent with one-photon dissociation occurring via the bent 21A'( B1DELTA) excited state. The dissociation probability increases substan tially over a nozzle temperature range 300-1500 K. The N2 fragment is highly rotationally excited as a result of the excited-state geometry. The rotational distribution of the N2 fragment is peaked at 1.4 eV an d has a width of 0.6 eV. The average rotational energy of the N2 produ ct is 1.4 +/- 0.1 eV; the average translational energy is 0.38 +/- 0.0 4 eV. There is no observed vibrational excitation in the N2 Product. T he O(1D) product has an average translational energy of 0.67 +/-0.06 e V. The rotational energy of the products accounts for 57 +/- 4% and th e translational energy accounts for 43 +/- 4% of the energy available to the products.