Detection of O(P-3(2)) by vacuum ultraviolet laser spectroscopy

O atoms in the P-3(2) state were detected by vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence (VUV LIF) technique. The O(P-3(2)) atoms were produced by the collision between the O atoms in the D-1 excited state and collision partner N-2. O atoms in the D-1 excited state were obtained by photodissociation of N,O at 193 nm laser light. As O(P-3(2)) species has their first transition in the VUV region, the probe laser was used to excite O(2p(3)P(j)) atoms to the O(3s(3)S degrees) state at 130.212 nm. A four wave difference frequency mixing (2 omega(1) - omega(2)) process using Kr as nonlinear media was employed to generate 130.212 Mn probe laser light.