Chemical laser operation and n-butane absorption of DF R branch lines

Area of Science:

• Laser physics
• Molecular spectroscopy
• Atmospheric science

Background:

• Deuterium Fluoride (DF) lasers are known for P-branch emission.
• R-branch emission from DF lasers has not been extensively studied or utilized.
• Understanding molecular absorption is crucial for various scientific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and characterize laser emission on the R branch lines of DF.
• To measure absorption coefficients of normal butane at specific laser frequencies.
• To explore the potential applications of this laser emission in atmospheric remote sensing and molecular excitation.

Main Methods:

• Experimental demonstration of R-branch laser emission from a DF laser.
• Measurement of absorption coefficients using the generated R-branch laser frequencies.
• Analysis of absorption data for normal butane.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of laser emission on R-branch lines of DF.
• Observed R-branch emission is significantly weaker than P-branch emission.
• Measured absorption coefficients for normal butane at the R-branch frequencies.

Conclusions:

• DF laser R-branch emission, though weaker, is a viable tool for absorption spectroscopy.
• The measured absorption coefficients indicate potential for atmospheric remote sensing.
• This laser source can be used for studying vibrationally excited molecules, particularly those with C-H bonds.