Knowledge Bank

Energy transfer mechanisms in the $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}CH3F$ 1.2 mm optically pumped far-infrared laser have been studied with the aid of a millimeter wave spectrometer. In this laser the 9P32 line of a $CO2$ laser optically pumps $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}CH3F$ from the J=4, K=3 ground vibrational state to the J=5, K=3, $V3$ = 1 vibrational state. Absorption/Emission coefficients are observed for $\mathrm{<mrow\; data-mjx-texclass="ORD">13</mrow>}CH3F$ both with and without optical pumping. Population inversions between the following states have been observed; J=5, K=3 and J=4, K=3 both in the ground and $V3$=1 vibrational states and J=4, K=3 and J=3, K=3, $V3$=1 vibrational states. A corresponding enhanced absorption for J=3$\to 4$, K=3 ground state has been noted. Pumping also enhances absorptions for J=4$\rightarrow$5, $K\not=$3, $V3$=1 and J=3$\to$ K $\not=$3, $V3$=1 transitions. From these data rotational and vibrational relaxation times are calculated.