Measurement of the mid-infrared absorption spectra of ethylene (C2H4) and other molecules at high temperatures and pressures

Abstract

A methodology for the measurement of mid-infrared absorption cross sections of gaseous molecules at high temperatures and pressures is presented. A rapid-tuning, broad-scan external cavity quantum cascade laser with a tuning rate in excess of 30000 cm−1s−1 has been employed in the measurement of full vibrational bands ( > 100 cm−1) in shock-heated test gases. The approach is demonstrated with measurements of the absorption cross section of ethylene (C2H4) in the 8.5 µm to 11.7 µm region for temperatures from 800 K to 1600 K and pressures from 1 to 5 atm. Decreasing peak strength with temperature is observed as well as pressure-insensitivity. The measurements are compared with existing experimental, empirical, and ab initio databases. Additionally, illustrative absorption cross section measurements of propene (C3H6), 1-butene (1-C4H8), 2-butene (2-C4H8), 1,3-butadiene (1,3-C4H6), and methanol (CH3OH) are presented near 1000 K and 2.3 atm.