Photochemically pumped I2(D′3Π2g→A′3Π2u) emission in mixtures of I2+C3F7I and I2+O3: Implications for chemically initiated, broadband optically pumped I2(D′→A′) lasers

Abstract

We report the first observation of photochemically initiated I2(D′→A′) emission at 342 nm. Mixtures of I2 and C3F7I or I2 and O3 were excited by a KrF laser at 248 nm photodissociating the C3F7I or O3. The process believed responsible for the intense D′→A′ emission is rapid energy transfer from the excited I(2P1/2) or O2(a 1Δ) photodissociation products to I2(X,v″=0) producing I2(X,v″=25→43) which is optically pumped by 248 nm photons to I2(D 1∑+u) and I2(F 1∑+u). Rapid collisional redistribution results in the F,D→D′ crossover. Gain of several percent per centimeter on the D′→A′ transition may be possible with the appropriate gas mixture and pump source.