Knowledge Bank

Upon irradiation of $CH2D2$ with a pulsed or Q-switched $CO2$ laser operating on a number of R branch lines of the $001-02\circ$ 0 transition, fluorescence has been observed from all the infrared active fundamentals. Fluorescence risetimes and full times have been measured and will be reported. Pathways for vibrational equilibration steps will be discussed. A comparison will be made with equilibration pathways (in the slightly asymmetric top molecule, $CH2D2$) to those in symmetric top molecules. The effect of dipole selection rules on equilibration pathways will be discussed. Rates of deactivation of $CH2D2$ fundamental by rare gases will be reported. The relative contribution of $V\to T$ and $V\to R$ processes to the observed rate will be discussed.