N2(C3Πu)→N2(B3Πg)+hν fluorescence increase due to collisional intermolecular energy transfer induced by discharged O2 in active nitrogen and oxygen mixtures

Comment on “Plasma chemistry of sprite streamers” by D. D. Sentman, H. C. Stenbaek‐Nielsen, M. G. McHarg, and J. S. Morrill

“…Substitution for the number densities of N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) and O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) from Sentman et al [2008, Figure 13] leads to: Similarly, the corresponding N 2 (B 3 Π g ) formation rate (also described as rate N 2 ( a ′)N 2 ) due to the {N 2 ( a ′ 1 Σ u − ) + N 2 → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + N 2 } chemical reaction at the same time of ∼1.0 ms is: Substitution for the number density of N 2 = 1.2 × 10 +15 molecules cm −3 [ Sentman et al , 2008] and setting [N 2 ( a ′ 1 Σ u − )] equal to 1 × 10 3 molecules cm −3 leads to: Therefore, the {N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) + O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + O 2 } chemical reaction, deduced from experiments showing intensity enhancements [ Kamaratos , 1997, 2006, 2009] of N 2 first pbs afterglow emissions when discharged oxygen was added to active nitrogen mixed with oxygen, might play a more important role in the formation of N 2 (B 3 Π g ) in the afterglow stage of a sprite streamer than shown in the simulation model of Sentman et al [2008], cited by Roussel‐Dupré et al [2008].…”

“…In discharges [ Garscadden and Nagpal , 1995; Guerra et al , 2004] and in afterglows [ Piper , 1989, 1992], the number density of N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , ν ≥ 5) species (shown for times of ∼10 ms) can reach, and even exceed, values of 10 −2 × [N 2 ]. In such a case the deduced energy transfer from O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) to N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) [ Kamaratos , 1997, 2006, 2009] might also play some indirect role in the formation of N 2 (B 3 Π g ) via the {N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) + N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , ν ≥ 5) → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , ν ′ < ν )} reaction. The energy transfer from O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) to N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) may also play some role in the formation of N 2 (C 3 Π u ) [ Kamaratos , 2005, 2009] in the afterglow stage in the simulation model of a sprite streamer [ Sentman et al , 2008].…”

“…In such a case the deduced energy transfer from O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) to N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) [ Kamaratos , 1997, 2006, 2009] might also play some indirect role in the formation of N 2 (B 3 Π g ) via the {N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) + N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , ν ≥ 5) → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , ν ′ < ν )} reaction. The energy transfer from O 2 (a 1 Δ g ) to N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) may also play some role in the formation of N 2 (C 3 Π u ) [ Kamaratos , 2005, 2009] in the afterglow stage in the simulation model of a sprite streamer [ Sentman et al , 2008]. N 2 (C 3 Π u ) is the species responsible for N 2 second pbs emissions (i.e., N 2 (C 3 Π u ) → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + h ν ).…”

“…N 2 (C 3 Π u ) is the species responsible for N 2 second pbs emissions (i.e., N 2 (C 3 Π u ) → N 2 (B 3 Π g ) + h ν ). In addition, the reported [ Kamaratos , 2009] enhancement of the first negative band system (nbs) emission intensities of N 2 + (i.e., N 2 (B 2 Σ u + ) → N 2 (X 2 Σ g + ) + h ν ) because of the interaction of energetic oxygen species in discharged oxygen when added to mixtures of active nitrogen and oxygen in a discharge flow chemical reactor, may also play a role in the reported N 2 + first nbs emission intensities in sprites, as well as in other “transient luminous events” (e.g., in all types of jets).…”

Surface treatment of glass by microplasma

“…13). The intensity decreased when 0.25% O2 was added by its quenching effect [22], [23]. For the discharge in pure Ar high intensity peaks corresponding to ArI peaks corresponding to transition 4s-5p were measured at 415.…”