The dissociative ionization of nitrogen dioxide in intense picosecond
laser fields has been studied by measuring mass spectra at laser wavel
engths of 1064, 590 and 532 nm The ionization pattern depends signific
antly on laser wavelength and intensity. The effect of the electric fi
eld generated at high laser intensities on molecular properties such a
s equilibrium bond length and bond angle is probed using quantal metho
ds. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.