Predissociative decay of the c'(4) (1)Sigma(u)(+), v=0 state of N-2

In a laser spectroscopic study the lifetime of the c(4)'(1) Sigma(u)(+), upsilon = 0 state is determined at tau = 535 +/- 100 ps and a predissociation fraction of 28(-18)(+30)% is inferred. For the b(1)'Sigma(u)(+), upsilon = 0 state tau = 630 +/- 100 ps is found, which means that this state cannot mediate the predissociation of the c(4)'(0) state. For the c(3)(1) Pi(u), upsilon = 0 state tau = 70 +/- 5 ps and the predissociation fraction of 90% provides an explanation for the increased predissociation at higher rotational levels of the c(4)'(1) Sigma(u)(+), upsilon = 0 state.