ABSTRACTThe UV photodissociations of dimethyltelluride (CH3)2Te and diethyltelluride (C2Hs)2Te have been investigated by state-selective detection. Nascent populations of Te(5p Pjw) atoms produced by the photodissociation process were monitored using laser-induced fluorescence following excimer laser (248 nm and 193 nm) photolysis. Experimental results for both molecules indicate that the photolysis at 248 nm produces Te atoms via a single photon process and that the liberated Te atoms populate only the 5p3P2 state. The photolysis of diethyltelluride at 193 nm has also been found to be a single photon process producing Te atoms distributed over the 3P2, 3P1, and Pø states in a ratio of 13:2:1, respectively.