Vibrational relaxation of hydrogen and deuterium fluorides

The vibrational relaxation of HF and DF has been studied using the laser fluorescence technique at 295°K. Rates were determined for self-relaxation of HF and DF and also for cross relaxation through transfer of vibrational energy between these molecules. The results are compared with relaxation of the isotopic combinations in HCl/DCl and HBr/DBr, and discussed with reference to the Moore and the Shin theories. Results are also given for the rates of vibrational energy transfer between DF-D₂ and HF-H₂ and for the relaxation of DF by Ar, He, H₂, and N₂ and for HF by Ar and He.