RG+ formation following photolysis of NO-RG via the Ã-X transition: a velocity map imaging study.

Kr(+) and Xe(+) formation following photodissociation of NO-RG (RG = Kr or Xe) molecules via the Ã-X electronic transition in the 44,150-44,350 cm(-1) region has been investigated using velocity map imaging. Nuclear kinetic energy release (nKER) spectra indicate that the NO cofragment is produced in multiple vibrational states of the electronic ground state, with a high degree of rotational excitation. Photofragment angular distributions and nKERs are consistent with photo-induced charge transfer at the two-photon level followed by dissociative ionization at the three-photon level. RG(+) angular distributions showing highly parallel character relative to the laser polarization axis are indicative of a high degree of molecular alignment in the dissociating species.