Resolution of continuum electronic states with photofragment spectroscopy

The Franck-Condon principle was used to derive the angular orientation of the excited state of the asymmetric rotor. Results agree with the semiclassical derivations which are used to analyze photofragment angular distributions for triatomic molecules. The results of the photofragment spectra of I sub 2 and HI and DI, using the fourth harmonic of a neodymium laser are presented. The laser probes the C state of I2 and the A band in HI and DI. Individual absorption and excited state potential curves are presented. A discussion of the statistical problems, and techniques, including nonlinear curve fitting are also presented.