Exploring molecular complexity: conical intersections and NH3 photodissociation.

The role of conical intersections in the photodissociation of the A 1A2" state of NH3 is investigated using extended atomic basis sets and a configuration state function expansion of approximately 8.5 million terms. A previously unknown portion of the 1 1A-2 1A seam of conical intersections with only C(s) symmetry is located. This portion of the seam is readily accessible from the equilibrium geometry of the A 1A2" state. These conical intersections are expected to play a role in the competition between adiabatic and nonadiabatic pathways for NH3(A 1A2") photodissociation. (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics.