Translational energy release following multiphoton dissociation of organometallics

We have measured translational energy distributions for state selected metal atoms produced by multiphoton dissociation (MPD) of organometallics in supersonic nozzle beams under isolated molecule conditions. Ground state chromium atoms liberated by 361 nm MPD of Cr(CO)6 are produced at ≈ 2200 K. This shows that the only significant MPD pathway must be a net three photon process. 7S3 tungsten atoms produced from W(CO)6 are produced in a ≈ 4000 K Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The results of these experiments are discussed in terms of energetics and their implications for laser driven particle and thin film formation.