Interpretation of artifacts in Fourier transform infrared spectra of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges: relationship with the plasma frequency between 300 Hz and 15 kHz

Abstract

This article describes the occurrence of a phenomenon that is observed while recording mid-infrared (4000–700 cm−1) absorption spectra of dielectric barrier discharges sustained at frequencies ranging from 300 Hz to 15 kHz. This phenomenon is observed as the presence of very sharp spikes in the spectrum, for which the wavenumber depends on both the high voltage frequency used to generate the discharge and the velocity of the moving mirror of the interferometer (which in turn determines the interferogram sampling frequency). While it is well known that the consumption of gas precursor within plasmas can be followed, we demonstrate that Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also makes it possible to monitor frequencies and coupling of excitation mechanisms occurring in the plasma.