CO2 laser irradiation of ethyl iodide: A laser driven thermal explosion

The CO2 laser irradiation of ethyl iodide in the pressure range 7–80 torr has been thoroughly investigated. The results can best be described as a laser driven thermal explosion (LDTE). The LDTE is characterized by a high temperature zone in which the laser energy is converted to heat. If the temperature of this zone is high enough, reaction begins. Higher absorptivity of the products leads to thermal instability and explosion. Temperatures in the system have been measured and adequately account for the entire reaction. A computer simulation based on purely thermal reaction confirms the conclusion that the reaction is entirely thermal. The importance of the high temperature reaction zone in infrared irradiation experiments is discussed.