Plasma breakdown behavior of hydrogen azide (HN3) gas mixtures

Abstract
Plasma breakdown studies in HN3 and its mixtures with inert gases showed Paschen type behavior independent of electrode geometries. For pressures above 3.3 Torr and with nonsharp electrodes, a breakdown induced detonation always produced a complete volumetric decomposition verified by mass spectrometric analysis and doubling of the initial pressure. NH(A3Π→X3) spectra at 3360 (0,0) and 3371 Å (1,1) were observed with an NH(A) yield of 0.002% relative to the initial HN3 concentration. Examination of the transient spectra suggested the HN3 volumetric decomposition was promoted by heating at the compression wave shock front.

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