Investigations on molecular halogen lasers: Fluorescence spectroscopy, reaction kinetics and laser experiments

Transitions (D' to A') from an ionically bound upper level to a covalent lower state in diatomic halogen molecules were experimentally and theoretically investigated. Experimentally, mixtures of various halogen donor compounds and a rare gas buffer were excited with a short pulse relativistic electron beam. Resulting fluorescence and laser emissions were measured spectrally and were temporally resolved. Laser experiments were carried out in a discharge pumped TEA laser setup, too. Unknown D' to A' transmission wavelengths for the interhalogen molecules were predicted, using a semiempirical model. Complications in the formation kinetics of interhalogen laser molecules are qualitatively discussed. It is demonstrated that the concept of the ionic-to-covalent D' to A' laser transition found in homonuclear diatomic halogens can also be applied to interhalogen molecules.