ARC study of the oxygen Schumann-Runge system

Other investigations have shown that the Schumann-Runge system of oxygen is excited by an inverse predissociation mechanism, O + O→ O^*₂. Under the condition where this excitation mechanism dominates, there is some question as to whether the radiation yielded a true rotational/vibrational electronic band spectrum, as opposed to a recombination continuum. Furthermore, there is controversy as to whether the spectral intensity is that given by equilibrium theory. The present work utilized a 1 atm arc jet facility to heat air and O₂-noble gas mixtures to temperatures between 3000 and 3500°K. Both photographic and photoelectric spectra were recorded. In the latter case, wavelength scans from 2000 to 6000 Å were carried out with 5 Å resolution to obtain absolute intensity data. The spectra were found to have true rotational/vibrational electronic band structure, and were identified as the O₂ Schumann-Runge ssytem. Comparison with an equilibrium radiation model showed excellent agreement. A slight adjustment was made in the electronic transition moment for the NO(β) system as demanded by the air runs.