Determination of the H + D₂Product State Distribution Using a Novel Laser Ionization Mass Spectrometer

Abstract

The hydrogen atom exchange reaction H + H2→H2 + H and its isotopic analogs are of fundamental importance to the field of chemical-reaction dynamics. However, this thermoneutral system has a large activation barrier and only a small reaction cross section. In addition, the reaction products are difficult to detect using standard laser techniques. These facts have until recently hindered efforts to determine the nascent quantum-state distributions for these reactions. © 1984 Optical Society of America