Stationary laser heating in measuring the vapor pressure of carbon at 5000-7000/sup 0/K

The experiments were performed in the pressure range 10/sup 7/-10/sup 8/ Pa and in the temperature range 5000-7000 degrees K. The graphite specimens were heated in an inert gas (He, Ne, Ar) by a continuous-wave YAG:ND/sup 3 +/ laser of output 500 W. The parameters of the graphite-liquid-vapor triple point have been refined. The heat of evaporation for liquid carbon has been measured as H /SUB ev/ = 360 + or - 25 kJ/mole. The microstructure of the specimens after exposure to the laser has been examined.