Vibrationally Mediated Photodissociation (VMP) deals with the influence of vibrational excitation of the ground electronic state of a molecule on its dissociation following excitation of this state to a higher electronic state. Aimed at students and academics, this is the first book devoted to the effect of vibrational pre-excitation on molecular dynamics in the gas phase. In particular, it deals with the influence of this excitation on the dissociation of molecules (ie: on the branching ratio between the dissociation products and its dependence on the vibrational state being excited). The effect in the gas phase has been extensively studied, both theoretically and experimentally and encompasses diverse areas of chemical physics. This monograph presents the methodology of VMP, using state-of-the-art specific examples. Overviews of earlier works are included as well, to serve as a background for current research. Wherever appropriate, original works are quoted, including the original drawings. The contents include a brief review of theoretical and experimental methods relevant to VMP and specific examples. Also included are a bibliography, author and subject index. From the description of the motivation, the approach, the execution of the experiment and the analysis of the results of the specific examples, the reader will get a comprehensive understanding of the field. The book is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students of chemistry and physics. It serves as an introduction to VMP for beginners and as a literature guide to those acquainted with the subject but not necessarily working on VMP.

The Sixth International Symposium on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers (GCL) was held in Jerusalem, Israel, on September 8-12, 1986. The charm and beauty of Jerusalem and the unique blending of ancient and modern made this Symposium an enjoyable experience for the 165 participants and the accompanying persons. Yet, it seems that the invited and contributed papers presented at the Symposium were equally attractive so that most of the participants attended most sessions, resisting the temptations outside the session hall. Indeed, many speakers presented up-to-date results that were obtained, or cleared, just a few days before the Symposium. This volume is a compi lation of 19 invited and 61 contributed papers and of a panel discussion on the prospects for short wavelength chemical lasers held at the closing session of the Symposium. This discussion is presented as recorded in order to re tain the flavour of spontaneous presentation at the risk - or advantage - of presenting some venturous ideas, and the danger of misquoting. In editing the book, a deductive approach has been attempted. The book starts with some fundamental issues, namely fluid dynamics and optics, and then deals with the design, diagnostics, propagation and applications of various gas laser systems, covering the wavelength spectrum from XUV to infrared. Then follow recent developments of general interest to the laser community and the book concludes with an eye to the future, i.e., with a section on short wavelength chemical lasers."