Kinetic and spectroscopic studies of O2(a 1? g ) by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultra-violet

The collisional quenching of O2(a1Δg), formed in the ultra-violet photolysis of O3, has been studied by time-resolved absorption spectroscopy in the vacuum ultra-violet. Quantitative rate data for quenching by the gases He, Ar, Kr, Xe, N2, H2 and CO are reported, together with the absolute rate constant for the reaction with O3. A large number of new absorption systems of O2(a1Δg) are reported and analysed. Rydberg series leading to the first ionisation potential (O+2X2Π) have been identified, and a number of transitions arising from vibrationally excited states of O2(a1Δg) are presented in Deslandres tables.