Optical Emission Analysis of Molecular Nitrogen by Using a Self-Resonating Dielectric Barrier Plasma Reactor

We present a spectroscopic investigation of molecular nitrogen using a self-resonating co-axial dielectric barrier plasma reactor. The properties of the nitrogen plasma generated were recorded as functions of radio frequency (27.12 MHz), power (20-50 W) and gas pressure (0.1-60 mbar). The intensity distribution of the transitional structure of the electronic bands C-3 Pi(u) -> B-2 Sigma(+)(u) -> X-2 Sigma(+)(g) and D-2 Pi(g) -> A(2)Pi(u) was measured as a function of gas pressure. Relative energy efficiency (total emitted intensity from the plasma.... divided by total electric power to the discharge..), as high as 14% can be obtained at a dissipated electrical power level of 20 W and a pressure of 10 mbar.