Discussion of Plasma Electron Collisions and Optical Spectroscopy

Abstract

This chapter describes the reactions produced by electron collisions. The nomenclature of the diatomic spectrum is summarized. The He and Ar energy levels and the potential curves of N₂, H₂ and O₂ are reproduced. After examples of N₂ and Ar emission spectra, the absorption resonant spectroscopy and the Raman Laser spectroscopy are applied to absolute density measurements of Ar metastable and of N₂ (X,v) vibrationally molecules. It is indicated how the actinometry method brings relative density measurements of N, O and H atoms. Emission spectroscopy in gas-pulsed Ar-N₂-O₂ microwave plasma is briefly reported. Finally, it is indicated how to obtain the electron, vibrational and rotational temperatures of N₂ plasma by emission spectroscopy.