High-Resolution Photoabsorption Cross Sections of E 1--X 1 + Vibrational Bands of 12CO and 13CO

Photodissociation following absorption of extreme-ultraviolet photons is an important factor in determining the abundance and isotropic fractionation of CO in diffuse and translucent interstellar clouds. The principal channel for destruction of CO-13 in such clouds begins with absorption in the (1,0) vibrational band of the E1Pi - X1Sigma(+) system; similarly, absorption in the (0,0) band begins a significant destruction channel for CO-12. Reliable modeling of the CO fractionation process depends critically upon the accuracy of the photoabsorption cross section for these bands. We have measured the cross sections for the relevant isotropic species and for the (1,0) band of CO-12. Our results, which are uncertain by about 10 percent, are for the most part larger than previous measurements.