We report on the dynamics of multiphoton excitation and dissociation of NO2 at wavelengths between 395 and 420 nm and intensities between 4 and 10 TW cm(-2). The breakup of the molecule is monitored by NO A (2)Sigma(+) n'=1,0-->X 2Pi(r)n"=0 fluorescence as a function of time delay between the driving field and a probe field which depletes the emission. It is found that generation of n'=0 and 1 NO A (2)Sigma(+) results in different fluorescence modulation patterns due to the intense probe field. The dissociation dynamics are interpreted in terms of nuclear motions over light-induced potentials formed by coupling of NO2 valence and Rydberg states to the applied field. Based on this model, it is argued that the time and intensity dependences of A (2)Sigma(+) n'=0-->X (2)Pi(r)n"=0 fluorescence are consistent with delayed generation of NO A (2)Sigma(+) n'=0 via a light-induced bond-hardening brought about by the transient coupling of the dressed (A) over tilde B-2(2) and Rydberg 3ssigma (2)Sigma(+) states of the parent molecule. The increasingly prompt decay of A (2)Sigma(+) n'=1-->X (2)Pi(r)n"=0 fluorescence with increasing intensity, on the other hand, is consistent with a direct surface crossing between the (X) over tilde (2)A(1) and 3 ssigma (2)Sigma(g)(+) dressed states to generate vibrationally excited products. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.