Rotational laser emission by HF in the ClF--H/sub 2/ chemical laser

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6156506

Cuellar, E; Pimentel, G C

Rotational laser emission from high J states of HF in the range 800--1100 cm/sup -1/ (v=0, J=22..-->..21 to J=33..-->..32; v=1, J=23..-->..22 to J=29..-->..28; and v=2, J=24..-->..23 and J=25..-->..24) has been initiated through flash photolysis of ClF: H/sub 2/: Ar=2:1:23 mixtures at 63 Torr. The short threshold time (2--4 ..mu..sec) indicate that V..-->..V up-pumping in HF/sup double-dagger/--HF/sup double-dagger/ collisions followed by V..-->..R energy transfer cannot satisfactorily explain the observed emissions. The reaction H+ClF..-->..HF+Cl must be involved in the pumping process, even though the branching ratio favors formation of HCl instead of HF. Two mechanisms are proposed and both could be operative. The rotationally excited HF that emits may be formed directly, as has been proposed by Polanyi and co-workers for this and other H+XY reactions on the basis of chemiluminescence results. It is also possible that multiquantum V..-->..R energy transfer contributes population to the high J states. While HF and argon collision partners may participate in such pumping, the ClF molecule may be particularly effective because its closely spaced rotational levels allow near resonant energy transfer paths.

• Research Organization: Chemistry Department, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 6156506
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 71:3; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
CHEMICAL LASERS
EMISSION SPECTRA
ENERGY LEVELS
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITED STATES
HIGH SPIN STATES
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFRARED SPECTRA
INORGANIC ACIDS
LASERS
ROTATIONAL STATES
SPECTRA