State selection by resonant multiphoton ionization: N+2 A 2Πu, v+

Three photon resonant, four photon ionization of N2 via the o3 1Πu, v′=1, 2 levels is shown to produce≥90% N+2 A 2Πu, v+=1, 2, respectively. These results suggest that resonant multiphoton ionization through Rydberg states with electronically excited ion cores may be a powerful technique for the production of electronically excited, vibrationally state-selected ions.