The technique of modulated gain spectroscopy has provided detailed information about the shape of the Na2 B 1Πu state potential barrier to dissociation. By measuring the rotation–vibration energies (to ±0.006 cm−1) of all (v′=27–33) quasibound vibrational levels and the rotation-dependent tunneling rates (as obtained from linewidth measurements) of the highest quasibound vibrational level, v′=33, we have been able to characterize this barrier. Our studies show that the barrier height is U(rmax,J=0)=375.2±3.9 cm−1, relative to the center of gravity of the Na(3s)+Na(3p) atomic limit, and the barrier maximum is located at rmax=6.85±0.02 Å.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.