First Measurement of the BO B2Σ+ Radiative Lifetime by Laser-Induced Fluorescence Via the B2Σ+–X2Σ+ Transition

Abstract

Observation of the temporal evolution of the fluorescence following laser excitation of boron monoxide molecules to the B ²Σ⁺ state is used to extract the radiative lifetime and collisional removal rate constant with N₂ as the colliding partner. The two lowest vibrational levels in the ¹¹BO B ²Σ⁺ state are examined. The radiative lifetimes are 101 ± 8 ns for υ′ = 0 and 108 ± 8 ns for υ′ = 1. The rate constant for collisional removal of B-state υ′ = 0 ¹¹BO molecules by N₂ is (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹¹ cm³ s⁻¹.