Using terahertz radiation to detect OH radicals and NO molecules in flames

Abstract

The possibility of detecting OH radicals and stable paramagnetic NO species in flames using the effect of rotation of the polarization plane of terahertz radiation (1–10 THz) in a magnetic field (Faraday effect) was experimentally demonstrated. Experimental data on detection of NO in a cell and OH radicals in an atmospheric-pressure H2/O2/N2 flame using this method are given. The proposed method can be used to study highly scattering media which are opaque in the visible region, for example, dusty or sooty flames.