Davis DD, Smith GR, Guillory WA. Infrared laser photolysis: a new tool for the study of prebiotic chemistry.
ORIGINS OF LIFE 1980;
10:237-45. [PMID:
7413184 DOI:
10.1007/bf00928401]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Infrared laser induced dielectric breakdown and multiphoton absorption experiments on CH4/NH3 'atmospheres' are described. It is found that HCN, a central intermediate in prebiotic chemistry, is a principle product. This, combined with the fact that dielectric breakdown appears to have much in common with ordinary electric sparks, suggests that the laser could be a useful tool in studies of prebiotic chemistry. Several possible experiments in this vein are suggested.
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