Abstract

ClN_3 was photolyzed in various gas mixtures to transform its chemical energy into laser radiation. Reaction mechanisms, energy distribution in reaction products, and relative reaction rates were deduced from the laser emission. Flash photolysis of ClN_3-H_2 mixtures produced HCl laser emission; however, due to a narrow range of operating conditions and many competing reactions, the laser output was less than that obtained from comparable Cl_2-H_2 mixtures. The rate constants for H + ClN_3 —> HCl* (v=n) + N_3 were determined to be 0.45 ± 0.05 of the corresponding rate constants for H + Cl_2 —> HCl* (v=n) + Cl. Chlorine azide was examined as a source of excited N_2 (v>0) in a CO_2 laser system. Collisions of ground state CO_2 with Cl_2 (v>0) and M* prevented population inversion. The explosion of ClN_3 was used to drive an HF chemical laser by thermally dissociating NF_3 or SF_6 to produce F for the F + H_2 —> HF*+ H reaction. At high pressures laser emission was parasitized by isotropic supperadiance. The energy output was dependent on the rate of energy deposition from both flash lamp and ClN_3 explosion.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry

Rights

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