Spectroscopy and dynamics of the Ba..FCH3 complex excited in the 728-760∈nm wavelength region

The laser-induced intracluster Ba..FCH3+ hν → Ba* + CH3F photofragmentation has been investigated in the 13158-13736∈cm-1 energy range, corresponding to the electronic Ã-state of the Ba..FCH3 molecule. The major photofragmentation path was found to be the non-reactive Ba* + CH3F channel. The photodepletion action spectrum of the Ba..FCH3 was measured using nanosecond pump and probe technique, showing a broad feature with a maximum photodepletion cross-section of 8∈Å2. The action spectrum of the non-reactive Ba photofragmentation channel was also measured. The results are discussed in the light of a proposed mechanism for the harpooning reaction leading to BaF when the complex is excited to the à electronic state.