Absorption into the ³Πu state of molecular oxygen

Abstract
Quantal calculations are carried out of the wave function of the excited ³Πu state of molecular oxygen, and the X³∑g–³Πu transition dipole moment is determined. The resulting absorption cross sections are evaluated, and it is demonstrated that absorption into the ³Πu state is not a significant source of atmospheric opacity. It is shown also that radiative association of oxygen atoms through emission from the ³Πu state is not an important source of infrared airglow.