Energy transfer in the A2Σ+ state of OH following v’ = 1 excitation in a low pressure CH4/O2-flame

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Σ⁺(v’=1) level of OH. Measurements were performed in a laminar premixed flame at 10 Torr total pressure. The low pressure allowed the spatial variation of the effective quenching rate to be determined through the flame front. In addition, the dependence of the quenching rate on rotational quantum number was measured by exciting a series of rotational lines in the range N’=0–16. The results show that the total quenching rate decreases only 17% through the flame front, in the region where OH can be detected. Nevertheless, the absolute value of the quenching rate Q is required if absolute concentrations are to be determined from LIF-signals. The variation both of Q and of the rotational relaxation rate with excited rotational quantum state must be known for quantification of LIF-temperature measurements via the Boltzmann relation. Finally, the rotational and vibrational energy transfer (RET, VET), was investigated by recording the spectrally and temporally resolved fluorescence. For all excited rotational lines, efficient RET to neighbouring rotational states was observed, but only very little VET. Total RET rates were determined from the difference between the time-resolved broadband (total fluorescence) and narrowband (fluorescence from the laser excited level) curves. The experimental results were compared with simulations using a dynamic model, which describes the energy transfer for flame conditions. With the available input data (temperature, major species concentrations and collision-partner specific RET cross sections), good agreement was obtained.