Determination of transition dipole matrix elements for the 266 nm photofragmentation of vertical bar JKM> state-selected CD3I

The photofragmentation of rovibrational energy-level and magnetic-state polarized ((X) over tilde (1)A(1)) CD3I \ JKM] equivalent to \ 111] was performed at 266 mn. The \ NK) rotational energy level distribution and the angular momentum polarization of the vibrationless ((X) over tilde (2)A ''(2)) CD3 photofragment were measured by (2 + 1) REMPI. State-selecting the parent CD3I allowed the elements of the transition dipole matrix (or T-matrix) to be determined by relating the initial system (CD3I plus photon) statistical tensors to measured product statistical moments. This is believed to be the first report of the experimental determination of T-matrix elements for a chemical reaction.