Abstract: A small volume long path absorption cell of the White-type may be used with condensable samples. The absorption cell is temperature controlled and may be operated over a temperature range of -10 degrees C. to 80 degrees C. To prevent condensation of the sample on the mirror surfaces the mirrors are individually temperature controlled and maintained a few degrees above the ambient temperature of the absorption cell. The mirrors are mounted on an Invar framework which is cantilevered from one end of the cell so that variation of the path length due to thermal expansion is minimized. The cell temperature is controlled by a jacket having a heating or cooling fluid. The controls of the mirrors for the cell are adjustable from the exterior of the cell and the entrance paths for the mechanism are sealed so that the cell can be operated at both above and below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: This application discloses a laser which is free from dependence on oxygen atom dissociators and does not require any electrical input. It is a purely chemical CO laser. This invention discloses a laser in which the combustion is fueled by a suitable fuel-oxidizer, e.g., CH.sub.4 --H.sub.2 --CS.sub.2 --NF.sub.3, which dissociates the CS.sub.2 into CS and S. The S atoms are generated in the combustor to initiate the chain reaction sequence in which the S,O.sub.2 and CS react so that all of the CS is converted to excited CO which lases in the optical cavity.

Abstract: This application relates to fuel for a chemical laser in which carbon monosulfide (CS) is reacted with oxygen atoms (O) to fuel a carbon monoxide (CO) chemical laser. The use of carbon monosulfide results in faster pumping of the laser, less heating of the medium, and a lessened need for oxygen atoms in the system.