Optically pumped tunable HBr laser in the mid-infrared region.

An optically pumped tunable HBr laser has been demonstrated for the first time. The pump source was a single-frequency Ho:YLF laser and amplifier system, which was locked to the 2064 nm absorption line of HBr. Laser oscillation was demonstrated on 19 molecular transition lines, which included both the R-branch (3870-4015 nm) and the P-branch (4070-4453 nm), by the use of an intra-cavity diffraction grating. The highest output energy was 2.4 mJ at 4133 nm.

Laser induced and controlled chemical reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Bimolecular chemical reaction control of gaseous CO and H(2) at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, without any catalyst, using shaped femtosecond laser pulses is presented. High intensity laser radiation applied to a reaction cell facilitates non-resonant bond breakage and the formation of a range of ions, which can then react to form new products. Stable reaction products are measured after irradiation of a reaction cell, using time of flight mass spectroscopy. Bond formation of C-O, C-C, and C-H bonds is demonstrated as CO(2)(+), C(2)H(2)(+), CH(+), and CH(3)(+) were observed in the time of flight mass spectrum of the product gas, analyzed after irradiation. The formation of CO(2) is shown to be dependent on laser intensity, irradiation time, and on the presence of H(2) in the reaction cell. Using negatively chirped laser pulses more C-O bond formation takes place as compared to more C-C bond formation for unchirped pulses.