Isotopically selective IR multiphoton dissociation of CF3I molecules in a pulsed gasdynamic flow

Abstract

An investigation was made of isotopically selective IR multiphoton dissociation of CF3I molecules in a pulsed gasdynamic flow. The dependences of the C2F6 product yield on the energy density of the exciting laser radiation, on the CF3I pressure above a nozzle, and on the number of pulses were obtained. The dependence of the 13C content in C2F6 on the exciting radiation frequency was also found. The conditions for dissociation of molecules optimal in respect of the C2F6 yield and the enrichment factor were identified. It was established that the C2F6 yield fell strongly on reduction of the CF3I concentration in the flow, which was related to the loss of the product CF3 radicals at the walls. The use of a low-pressure buffer (acceptor) gas, in the chamber where the molecular flow was formed, reduced the radical losses and increased the product yield.