Predissociation of the Na2 4 3Σg+ state

The Na-2 4 (3) Sigma(g)(+) state dissociates adiabatically to the 3s+4p atomic limit. The vibrational levels of the 4 (3) Sigma(g)(+) state below the 3s+3d atomic limit were observed previously by perturbation facilitated optical-optical double resonance (PFOODR) fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. Vibrational levels above the 3s+3d atomic limit are found to be predissociated and transitions into these levels have been observed by detecting atomic Na 3d-->3p fluorescence. The predissociation is due to the interaction with the continuum of the 2(3) Pi(g) state (direct as well as accidental predissociation via bound vibrational levels of the 3 (3) Pi(g) state). The potential energy curve of the 4 (3) Sigma(g)(+) State has been g constructed. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.