Enhancement of the selectivity and yield in infrared multiphoton dissociation of molecules in multifrequency infrared laser fields

Methods of increasing the yield and selectivity of infrared multiphoton dissociation of molecules in multifrequency infrared laser fields are examined. A simple method of obtaining multifrequency lasing using a single CO₂ laser is proposed and implemented. The multifrequency radiation obtained is used for separation of ¹³C/¹²C isotopes by multiphoton dissociation of CF₂HCl molecules. A selectivity S ≈ 10⁴ and a dissociation yield of ¹³CF₂HCl molecules ¹³β ≈ 1% were achieved. For S = 10² the yield was ¹³β ≈ 45%. The total laser energy densities required were reduced.