Multiple-photon excitation and dissociation of polyatomic molecules

Book · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6135438

Cantrell, C D ^[1]

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1. ed.

This book is Volume 35 in Springer's Topics in Current Physics series designed to provide the interested reader perspective on a rapidly developing research field by gathering together review articles by major players. The editor has accurately highlighted the major results of the multiple-photon excitation (MPE) shock wave of research activity that propagated through the gas-phase chemical physics community during the 1970's. Throughout this period three questions intrigued the photochemists: (1) how is it possible that virtually any polyatomic molecule can efficiently absorb scores of infrared photons from a pulsed CO/sub 2/ TEA laser to achieve bond fission. (2) can insight into the dissociation dynamic be gained from this process, and in particular can bonds be made to break selectively. (3) could MPE be used to separate heavy isotopes. The answers to the first two questions are thoroughly examined and answered in the excellent review by Y.T. Lee et al., which itself is worth the price of the book. The question of isotope separation is discussed in two articles, one by Ambartzumian and the other by Cantrell. However, the recent glut of cheap uranium on world energy markets and the decision of DOE to develop atomic multiphoton ionization as the process of choice have resulted in a rapid deflation of interest in MPE separation schemes.

• OSTI ID: 6135438
• Resource Relation: Other Information: From review in J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 109, No. 16(1987)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
MULTI-PHOTON PROCESSES
REVIEWS
CHEMICAL BONDS
GASES
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DOCUMENT TYPES
FLUIDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
400500* - Photochemistry
400202 - Isotope Effects
Isotope Exchange
& Isotope Separation