He-N2 radiofrequency discharge: Influence of N2 on discharge and afterglow

A diagnostic study q (energy transfer processes in a He-N₂ flowing discharge and afterglow has been performed in a radiofrequency-produced plasma cooled in a liquid nitrogen hath. Optical emission spectroscopy in the visible and infrared spectral range as well as Langrnuir probe diagnostics were used. The vibrational kinetics of CO injected in such an afterglow has been examined. It shows a slow cooling of the electrons in the afterglow regime. The electron kinetics responsible joy CO vibrahonal excitation is turned off when N₂ is added to the He discharge, while that for vibrationally excited N₂ molecules is turned on. The results are discussed on the basis of previous theorerical calculations and experiments on the He-N₂ system.