Shock-induced changes in the electronic spectra of liquid CS2

Abstract

Experimental techniques are described for electronic time‐resolved reflection and transmission spectroscopy in a thin liquid CS₂ sample undergoing successive shocks by reverberation. Transmission spectra in the near UV and visible show progressive shifting of the red edges of absorption bands with shock pressure. At 55 kbar, extinction of the transmitted signal is complete for wavelengths between 2500 and 4100 Å, but absent at longer wavelengths. At 120 kbar extinction extends through the visible as well. Reflection experiments suggest that extinction is due to coherent scattering. Relaxation in both reflected and transmitted light at 120 kbar is in accord with other observations relating to shock‐induced decomposition.