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CO2 laser-driven reactions in pure acetylene flow

We show that multiple-photon absorption of radiation from a 10.56 μm cw CO2 laser by intermediates (ethylene, vinylidene) generated in pure acetylene flow makes them decompose to carbon dimers and excited hydrogen. The latter associates with downstream acetylene to feedback those laser absorbing intermediates thus making the reactions self-sustained in the absence of oxygen. This process is different from acetylene self-decomposition that may occur at higher temperature and pressure. The results of our work may be useful for understanding the generation of various carbon allotropes and interstellar dust from acetylene.