Near-resonant V–V exchange between diatomic molecules and combination levels of triatomic molecules

It is shown theoretically that the V–V exchange between diatomic molecules and combination levels of triatomic molecules may heat asymmetric vibration modes of the latter molecules. An experimental observation of this effect in supersonic expansion of a CO₂–D₂ mixture and of stimulated emission at λ = 10.6 μ of 44 W power are reported.