Gain due to the 0001–1000 transition in CO2 in a reacting gas mixture stream containing CO and N2O

An investigation was made of a system for supersonic and subsonic injection of cold N₂O into a heated gas mixture containing CO. This system could support a steady-state exothermic reaction of formation of CO₂ molecules. It was found that the highest (~1% cm^–1) gain was achieved by injection of N₂O into the subsonic part of an N₂–CO–He stream. Replacing helium by hydrogen or water vapor reduced the gain. An analysis indicated that vibrationally excited CO₂ molecules, formed as a result of the reaction, may make a contribution to the gain.