MASS-SPECTROMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF CO2-LASER DISCHARGES WITH TIME RESOLUTION

Abstract

In mass spectrometric measurements, knowledge of the gas dwell time in the glow discharge region has been utilized to time-resolve the variations of CO2 partial pressure in CO2 laser discharges. The measured data are interpreted by a dissociation-reformation scheme of CO2 molecules in the discharge. Rate coefficients that characterize the CO2 equilibrium process are evaluated, and their technical implications are discussed.