Infrared laser enhancement of chemical reactions via collision induced absorption

Journal Article · Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.438013· OSTI ID:6115741

Orel, A E; Miller, W H

We have pointed out previously that an infrared laser will in general enhance the rate of a chemical reaction via a collision induced absorption, even if the reactants themselves are infrared inactive. This paper examines this phenomenon more fully by presenting a simple analytically solvable model which illustrates it and also by presenting the results of classical trajectory calculations we have carried out for the reactions X+H/sub 2/arrow-right-leftHX+H, for X=H, F, Cl. One new feature which is revealed by these calculations is that the polarization of the laser is an important parameter, i.e., certain polarizations are much more effective in enhancing the rate of the reaction than others.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry, and Materials and Molecular Research Division of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 6115741
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 70:9; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400500* -- Photochemistry
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CHLORINE
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
FLUORINE
HALOGENS
HYDROGEN
INFRARED RADIATION
KINETICS
LASER RADIATION
NONMETALS
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
REACTION KINETICS