PNNL

Abstract

In this article we present a quantitative analysis of the second positive system of molecular nitrogen and first negative system of molecular nitrogen cation excited in the presence of ionizing radiation. Optical emission spectra of atmospheric air and nitrogen surrounding 210Po sources were measured from 250 - 400 nm. Multi-Boltzmann and non-Boltzmann vibrational distribution spectral models were used to determine the vibrational temperature and vibrational distribution function of the emitting N2 states. A zero-dimensional kinetic model based on the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) and a steady-state excitation and de-excitation of N2 was developed for the estimation of the relative spectral intensity for the vibrational bands of the second positive system and ratio of number densities of N2 to N2+.