A. A. Kotov

Ionization of molecular nitrogen by radiation from a channel surface discharge

Ionization of atmospheric-pressure nitrogen by nearly blackbody radiation from a channel surface discharge is investigated. By analyzing the data from measurements of the current of an electrostatic electron detector, the ionization rate of nitrogen and the time evolution of the electron density are determined. It is shown that the electron density reaches its maximum ∼5 μs after the irradiation pulse. The results obtained indicate that the most probable mechanism for the observed nitrogen ionization is the formation of an ensemble of nitrogen molecules in metastable states and their subsequent collisional ionization, rather than direct one-photon or multiphoton ionization.

Laser photolysis of UF{sub 6} molecules

Studies of the photophysical and photochemical processes accompanying the photolysis of UF6 molecules in the field of UV and IR laser radiation are analysed. The characteristic features of the electronic and vibrational absorption spectra are discussed. The excited states and transitions as well as the molecular deactivation and dissociation channels are identified. The influence of secondary processes on the quantum yield and the photolysis yield is determined. The photolysis of UF6 molecules in the presence of chemically active reagents and buffer gases is considered. The isotopically selective laser photolysis of UF6 molecules as a method for the separation of uranium isotopes, as well as other prospects for the application of the laser photolysis of UF6 molecules in nuclear power engineering, are discussed.