First measurement of the BO B 2Σ+ radiative lifetime by laser-induced fluorescence via the B 2Σ+–X 2Σ+ transition

Observation of the temporal evolution of the fluorescence following laser excitation of boron monoxide molecules to the B 2Σ+ state is used to extract the radiative lifetime and collisional removal rate constant with N2 as the colliding partner. The two lowest vibrational levels in the 11BO B 2Σ+ state are examined. The radiative lifetimes are 101 ± 8 ns for υ′ = 0 and 108 ± 8 ns for υ′ = 1. The rate constant for collisional removal of B-state υ′ = 0 11BO molecules by N2 is (1.1 ± 0.1) × 10−11 cm3 s−1.