CHEMICAL LASERS.

Abstract

This article deals with a field of research on the borderline between physical chemistry and laser physics. As it is intended to combine aspects of both areas, molecular amplifiers based on partial or total vibrational inversion are first characterized in general, after which the generation, storage, distribution, and transfer of vibrational energy in chemical processes is reviewed. Experimental requirements for laser oscillation and associated hardware problems are discussed, along with experimental results for specific chemical laser systems. The prospects for high-power chemical laser operation are considered. The contribution of chemical lasers to reaction kinetics and their other uses in chemistry is dealt with. A review of the literature up to spring 1972 is included.