title: Time-resolved molecular excitation and heat effects induced by infrared radiation.
abstract: A saturable absorber (SF(6)) is irradiated by a step of radiation from a CO(2) laser, and the step response of the medium is observed. Since the characteristic times of rotational, vibrational, and thermal excitation are different, it is possible to observe each process separately. A set of rate equations is developed for a simplified model of two energy levels. This set includes only one differential equation and qualitatively describes the effects of rotational hole burning and vibrational relaxation. Heat effects are accounted for separately.
authors.forename: Y J
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.forename: U P
authors.initials: UP
authors.lastname: Oppenheim