Infrared Emission of Air Pollutants Induced by a CO2 Laser

Abstract

A possible method for the measurement of air pollutants is described. It is based on infrared emission from gases at specific wavelengths induced by a CO₂ laser. The emission level can be increased by adding a sensitizing gas (e.g. SF.) to the sample gas. Although the mechanism of the emission is not fully understood experimental data indicate that the emission is of thermal origin. Spectra of some air polluting gases are included in this paper.