Supersonic Molecular Beams of Alkali Dimers

摘要: Intense alkali beams containing up to 30% mole fraction of K2, Rb2, or Cs2 have been generated from a supersonic nozzle expansion, with oven temperatures ∼ 900°K (corresponding vapor pressures ∼ 350 torr) and ∼ 50–300°K higher. The total beam intensity obtained reached ∼ 5 × 1017 particles sec−1·sr−1. An inhomogeneous deflecting magnet was used separate the dimer atom components beam, variation concentration pressure temperature were studied for variety sizes (throat diameters 0.04–0.15 mm). velocity distributions also measured found be quite similar; peaks occur at velocities 70% higher than most probable in oven, widths are very narrow, corresponding random translational as low ∼ 30°K, Mach numbers ∼ 15. A simple one‐dimensional theory dimerization which takes into account vibrational relaxation heat condensation is consistent data. It shown that observed yield diameter imply does not contribute acceleration but goes excitation molecules. nominal value ∼ 3 × 10−30 cm6 sec−1 ∼ 600°K recombination rate constant Cs+Cs+Cs→Cs2+Cs. reduced variable plot provided enables applied expansions any substance chemical governed by three‐body collisions.