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

Laser emission on the R branch lines of DF has been demonstrated. The emission is much weaker than the P branch radiation from the same laser but is useful for absorption coefficient measurements or excitation of C-H bonds. Absorption coefficients of normal butane at the laser frequencies have been measured and are shown to be potentially useful for remote sensing of the atmosphere and studies of vibrationally excited molecules.