Laser chromatography (negative results)

An experimental study was made of the influence of cw CO₂ laser radiation on gas-adsorption chromatography of SF₆, CH₂Cl₂, and BCl₃. Resonant excitation of molecules by laser radiation did not alter the duration of their retention in a chromatograph column. A reduction in the retention time was attributed to nonresonant heating of the column walls by laser radiation.