Reduction of the CO2 decomposition in the transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser discharge plasma by a very small amount of the water vapor

Abstract

Using a comprehensive theoretical model, we have theoretically clarified for the first time that the homogeneous catalytic reaction caused by a very small amount of water vapor (2 laser discharge plasma could considerably reduce the saturation value of the CO₂ molecules decomposition. Effects of the water vapor at this concentration level have been overlooked in the previous investigations. A small concentration variation of the residual water vapor in the experimental laser chambers is thought to be one of the reasons for the considerable disagreements among the published data about the CO₂ equilibrium decomposition level.