Multiquantum vibrational exchange in highly excited CO molecules

The kinetics of exchange by vibrational quanta is studied theoretically and experimentally in highly excited CO molecules by analysing the recovery ti me of the inversion population on the selected vibrational-rotational trans itions in a doubly e-switched pulsed CO laser. A model of vibrational kinet ics that takes into account the multiquantum vibrational exchange between C O molecules in the temperature range between 100 and 300 K is described in detail for the first time. This model is compared with the model of single- quantum vibrational exchange. Good agreement between experimental data and theoretical calculations performed using the model of multiquantum vibratio nal exchange is the first direct confirmation of the validity of this model .