Correlation of lifetimes observed in two vibrational levels of the H-2 EF1Sigma(+)(g) state

The lifetimes were measured for rovibronic levels lying slightly lower than the top of the potential barrier in the H-2 EF(1)Sigma (+)(g) double-minim um state, with a delayed coincidence method following electron impact excit ation from the ground state. Dependence of lifetimes on the rotational leve ls in a pair of vibrational levels is explained in terms of perturbation ca used by rotation-vibration interaction between these levels. Lifetimes of s ome D(1)Pi (u) and B'(1)Sigma (+)(u) levels were also measured to estimate the cascade effects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.