Single state NH(X (3)Sigma(-),v=0,J,N) preparation for state-to-state studies

A new method is presented to examine state-to-state rotational energy trans fer in ground state NH(X (3)Sigma(-),upsilon = 0,J,N). NH(X (3)Sigma(-)) is generated via state selective stimulated emission pumping using the strong ly forbidden NH(a (1)Delta --> X (3)Sigma(-)) intercombination transition a round 794 nm after foregoing photodissociation of HN3 at a wavelength of 26 6 nm. Products are detected by laser induced fluorescence (LIF). Chemically relevant collision dynamics including spatial processes can be studied for the first time in v=0 of the electronic ground state. State-to-state rate constants for inelastic collisions of NH(X (3)Sigma(-),upsilon = 0,J = 3,N = 3) with Ne are presented. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021- 9606(99)01645-1].