Superradiance effects on the infrared absorption and vibrational temperature of optically pumped molecules

Using controlled feedback and coincident far infrared absorption, we have shown that the superradiant emission process in NH 3 pumped by the 9R16 line of a CO 2 TEA laser has a marked effect on the absorption of laser energy and vibrational heating of the gas. Since many polyatomic molecules pumped by IR laser are efficient superradiant far infrared sources, the effect is important for laser induced fluorescence studies in these polyatomics.