Luminescence process, refractory stabilities, and new and novel electronic states: scanning chemical reactions and novel products for laser induced isotope separation. Progress report, March 1, 1975--November 20, 1975

Abstract

The formulation and development of versatile oven systems for high temperature metal vaporation at temperatures greater than 2000$sup 0$C are discussed. The construction of an apparatus appropriate to the production and study of small metal aggregates M/sub n/ (2 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 6) is discussed at length. This includes a consideration of the construction and operation of an argon ion pumped dye laser system. The dye laser system will be used to induce fluorescence from the small metal aggregates, and thereby will lead to the study of their molecular electronic structure. The production of carbon vapor and the reaction of this vapor with metal atoms and metal dimers to form metal carbides is outlined. A thorough study of the luminescence process leading to a new understanding of those chemiluminescent phenomena occurring as a result of the ''single collision'' bimolecular reaction of metal atoms and metal dimers with select oxidants is outlined. Methods for the determination of upper bounds to the heats of sublimation and vaporization of those metals which can be strongly oxidized in a ''single collision'' bimolecular reaction are presented. Extremely simple methods by which one can infer the radiative lifetimes of metastable product chemiluminescing molecules are also discussed. Beginning efforts toward the formulation of new and novel catalytic surfaces via aggregate deposition are outlined. Current studies of the titanium oxide system are presented. These chemiluminescence studies allow the determination of a lower bound to the TiO dissociation energy and a determination of the heat of vaporization of titanium metal. (auth)