Vibrational kinetics in HeCO reacting discharges

Combined measurements of vibrational distributions (N_υ) of CO and CO₂ yields (β) in HeCO discharges have been performed at different residence times in radiofrequency discharges. The experimental results on N_υ have been obtained by IR emission spectroscopy and on β by gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric techniques. A theoretical model including the most important relaxation channels of the vibrational energy has been set up and coupled to the plasma chemistry describing the rate of formation of species such as CO₂, C, and O. Theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement, emphasizing the role of a vibrational mechanism in dissociating CO in HeCO mixtures.