ANGULAR-DISTRIBUTION OF PHOTO-PREDISSOCIATION FRAGMENTS IN THE PRESENCE OF A MAGNETIC-FIELD

In this paper we consider the theoretical problem of anisotropy in directional photo-predissociation of a diatomic molecule in the presence of a permanent magnetic field. It is assumed that the magnetic degeneracy of the intermediate (predissociated) electronic state is sufficiently removed by the external field as to allow selective photon excitation of individual sublevels. The angular distribution with respect to the direction of the applied field is given in this case by I(θ) = ΣtbtPt(cos θ) with l ranging from 0 to 2J′ + 2, J′ being the total angular momentum quantum number of the intermediate state. For moderate and large J′ the angular distribution should show rapid oscillations (in particular for small magnetic quantum numbers) and present higher anisotropy than the usual I(θ) = 1 + βP2(cos θ) distribution obtained in the absence of the magnetic field. An application is made to the O+2 (b 4Σ-g → 4Σ+g) predissociation which appears to be a good candidate from experimental point of view. © 1979.