Afrl - Sr - Bl - Tr - 98 -

Understanding the gas-phase and gas-surface collision dynamics of highly vibrationally excited NO is necessary to model the rovibrational population distribution and infrared signatures of this important molecules in the upper atmosphere. Energy and momentum exchange between gas phase molecules and surfaces (especially oxidized surfaces) is also an important factor in the calculation of satellite drag coefficients. In this research the stimulated emission pumping method is used in combination with conventional molecular beams techniques to control the vibrational excitation, quantum state identity and collision energy of reactants in gas phase and gassurface reactions. Results allow a better understanding of the collision dynamics controlling the state-specific population of vibrationally excited NO in the upper atmosphere and around satellites in low earth orbit.