Photoionization mass spectroscopy of Ne dimers

The photoionization efficiency curve of Ne2 as a function of wavelength has been obtained between 560 and 620 Å with a synchrotron radiation photon source. Detailed considerations of the autoionization mechanisms and symmetry of the excited states of Ne2 have led to the partial assignment of the excited electronic states of Ne2 which are responsible for the structure observed in its photoionization efficiency curve, and demonstrated the importance of Rydberg states with a B 2Πg core. The lower bound to the dissociation energy of Ne+2 was determined to be 1.24±0.08 eV (28.6±1.8 kcal/mol).