The formation of HCO and of H in the photolysis of glyoxal have been investigated over the wavelength ranges 310–335 nm for HCO and 193–340 nm for H. Dye laser photolysis was coupled with cavity ring-down spectroscopy for HCO, and with laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy for H. Absolute quantum yields were determined using actinometers based on (a) Cl2 photolysis and the Cl + HCHO reaction for HCO and (b) N2O photolysis (and O1D + H2) and CH2CO photolysis (and CH2 + O2) for H. The quantum yields were found to be pressure independent in this wavelength region. Quantum yields for all product channels under atmospheric conditions were calculated and compared with literature values. Differences between this work and previously published work and their atmospheric implications are discussed.
