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 time of the inversion population on the selected vibrational-rotational transitions in a doubly Q-switched pulsed CO laser. A model of vibrational kinetics that takes into account the multiquantum vibrational exchange between CO 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 vibrational exchange is the first direct confirmation of the validity of this model. (active media)