Measurement of CO, HCN, and NO productions in atmospheric reaction induced by femtosecond laser filament

Abstract

It is proved that the chemical reaction induced by femtosecond laser filament in the atmosphere produces CO, HCN, and NO, and the production CO and HCN are observed for the first time. The concentrations of the products are measured by mid-infrared tunable laser absorption spectroscopy. In the reduced pressure air, the decomposition of CO2 is enhanced by vibration excitation induced by laser filament, resulting in the enhanced production of CO and HCN. At the same time, the CO and HCN generated from the atmosphere suffer rotation excitation induced by laser filament, enhancing their absorption spectra. It is found that NO, CO, and HCN accumulate to 134 ppm, 80 ppm, and 1.6 ppm in sealed air after sufficient reaction time. The atmospheric chemical reaction induced by laser filament opens the way to changing the air composition while maintaining environmental benefits.