Kinetics of NF(a¹delta), NF(X³E), and chemically pumped NF(b¹E)

Abstract

We have been investigating kinetics issues associated with the development of a new chemical laser in the green based on the b-X transition of NF at 529 nm. The proposed scheme involves energy pooling of NF(a1E) with I*(2P1/2) to form NF.b1Z). The kinetics ofNF(a) and NF(X) have a strong impact on the relative populations ofNF(X) and NF(b) and therefore play a central role in this system. We have measured the rate coefficients for the reactions of NF(a) and NF(X) with several relevant species including O, NF2, N2F4, and 12. We have also carried out a series of measurements on the energy pooling of 1* with NF(a) by photolyzing mixtures of HI and NF2 at 193 nm to produce H atoms and NF(a). Using a flashlamp-pumped 1* laser, we optically prepared 1* to create a steady-state ratio of [I*J/[I] during the 30 jis laser pulse. This greatly simplifies the kinetics and allows us to extract rate constants for: NF(a) + I-p NF(b) + I, NF(b) + I -* NF(a) + I, and NF(b) + I -* other products.