Analysis of thermal radiation from laser-heated nanoparticles formed by laser-induced decomposition of ferrocene

Thermal radiation, originating from laser-heated gas-phase nanoparticles, was detected in the 400–700 nm wavelength range by means of optical emission spectroscopy. The particles were formed upon laser-induced photolytic decomposition of ferrocene (Fe(C₅H₅)₂) and consisted of an iron core surrounded by a carbon shell. The laser-induced excitation was performed as the particles were still within the reactor zone, and the temperature of the particles could be determined from thermal emission. Both the temperature of the nanoparticles and the relative intensity changes of the emission were monitored as a function of time (with respect to the laser pulse), laser fluence and Ar ambient pressure. At high laser fluences, the particles reached high temperatures, and evidence was found for boiling of iron. Modeling of possible energy-releasing mechanisms such as black-body radiation, thermionic electron emission, evaporation and heat transfer by the ambient gas was also performed. The dominant cooling mechanisms at different ranges of temperature were clarified, together with a determination of the accommodation factor for the Ar–nanoparticle collisions. The strong evaporation at elevated temperatures also led to significant iron loss from the produced particles. PACS 61.46.+w; 81.16.Mk; 65.80.+n