Applications of lasers to chemical processing

Some of the important underlying scientific aspects of photochemical and photothermal processes are reviewed. The discussion concentrates on those areas of laser chemistry which offer a considerable potential for commercial applicaion and examples are selected which illustrate this. Thus this paper is not a comprehensive review of current research in laser chemistry. Specific subjects treated include laser isotope separation, purification, chemical synthesis, laser pyrolysis, laser production of novel materials, laser-initiated chain reactions, laser control of electronic effects, and laser chemistry at surfaces.