On the Mechanism of Laser-Induced Suppression of Xe Sublimation from BCl₃-Xe Solid Mixtures

Abstract

The sublimation rate of Xe from a BCl₃-Xe solid mixture with low dilution at about 70K, is suppressed more than 30% by exciting the BCl₃ ν₃ vibration. A possible explanation for this phenomenon is presented. Larger volatility of Xe than that of BCl₃ causes the formation of a dense BCl₃ layer at the surface of the solid.To sublimate, Xe should diff Use through this layer. The diffusion of Xe in BCl₃ would probably be inhibited by the increase of vibrational amplitude of BCl₃ molecules. It is shown in terms of probabilities that the small increase of interaction cross section between Xe and BCl₃ can significantly decrease the Xe diffusivity in the BCl₃ layer.