Abstract

F₂ (158-nm) and ArF (193-nm) excimer radiation has been used to photodissociate C₂N₂ and produce chemiluminescence in C₂N₂–O₂ mixtures. In addition LIF measurements have followed the temporal behavior of the CN and NCO radicals. The behavior of CN is understood in terms of its reactions with O₂ and O. The NCO decay is controlled by radical or atom intermediates. This study has focused on the NO γ-band chemiluminescence and evidence is presented to support the view that it arises from energy transfer from N₂(A) to NO and the N₂(A) is made by the reaction N(²D) + NCO → N₂(A) + CO. An estimate of ≈25% is obtained for the N₂(A) yield of this reaction, assuming a rate coefficient of 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ mor⁻¹ s⁻¹ (a lower rate would require a proportionately higher yield and vice versa).

© 1986 Optical Society of America