Quantum state-to-state vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of small molecules ^†

The present review focused on selected, recent experimental progress of photodissociation dynamics of small molecules covering the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) range from 6 eV to 20 eV. These advancements come about due to the available laser based VUV light sources, along with the developments of advanced experimental techniques, including the velocity-map imaging (VMI), H-atom Rydberg tagging time-of-flight (HRTOF) techniques, as well as the two-color tunable VUV-VUV laser pump-probe detection method. The applications of these experimental techniques have allowed VUV photodissociation studies of many diatomic and triatomic molecules to quantum state-to-state in detail. To highlight the recent accomplishments, we have summarized the results on several important molecular species, including H₂ (D₂, HD), CO, N₂, NO, O₂, H₂O (D₂O, HOD), CO₂, and N₂O. The detailed VUV photodissociation studies of these molecules are of astrochemical and atmospheric relevance. Since molecular photodissociation initiated by VUV excitation is complex and is often governed by multiple electronic potential energy surfaces, the unraveling of the complex dissociation dynamics requires state-to-state cross section measurements. The newly constructed Dalian Coherent Light Source (DCLS), which is capable of generating coherent VUV radiation with unprecedented brightness in the range of 50–150 nm, promises to propel the photodissociation experiment to the next level.