Laser induced and controlled chemical reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen

Bimolecular chemical reaction control of gaseous CO and H₂ at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, without any catalyst, using shaped femtosecond laser pulses is presented. High intensity laser radiation applied to a reaction cell facilitates non-resonant bond breakage and the formation of a range of ions, which can then react to form new products. Stable reaction products are measured after irradiation of a reaction cell, using time of flight mass spectroscopy. Bond formation of C–O, C–C, and C–H bonds is demonstrated as CO₂⁺, C₂H₂⁺, CH⁺, and CH₃⁺ were observed in the time of flight mass spectrum of the product gas, analyzed after irradiation. The formation of CO₂ is shown to be dependent on laser intensity, irradiation time, and on the presence of H₂ in the reaction cell. Using negatively chirped laser pulses more C–O bond formation takes place as compared to more C–C bond formation for unchirped pulses.