Abstract

Parallel to development of the HF chemical laser, extensive measurements of the kinetic rates involved in that laser’s processes have been performed. These measurements have allowed the best fit determination of the constants in the rate equations describing the chemical reaction and energy transfer rates, as a function of temperature, relevant to this laser. However, very few measurements have been performed below room tern-, peratures, and It is at low temperatures where extrapolations using these semiempirical rates are likely to be most Inaccurate. Much of the earlier results have been collated by Cohen¹ who recommends an overall reaction rate constant, given in Arrhenius form, of 1.6 × 10¹⁴ exp(−1600/RT) cm³/s. The value of 1600 calories for activation energy is typical for most of the earlier measurements.

© 1986 Optical Society of America