A New Technique for the Spectroscopic Examination of Flames at Normal Pressures

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Abstract
Up to the present spectroscopic studies of flames supported on a tube have been limited by the geometry of the flame. Thus the important reaction zone presents a three-dimensional problem in which it is impossible to locate the emitters exactly. Moreover this zone is so thin in premixed gas flames that intermediate products cannot be determined from absorption studies. To overcome these difficulties the authors have constructed a burner with a two-dimensional diffusion flame in which the reaction zone at ordinary pressures is 5-10 mm. thick and has an optical depth of 5 cm. or more. With this flame many of the reacting molecules can be located through either their emission or absorption spectra or both. The value of the new technique in the elucidation of combustion processes is demonstrated with reference to NH3-O2 and H2-O2 flames, and mention is made of its application to hydrocarbon flames.

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