Laser-induced fluorescence of O(3p^3P), O_2, and NO near 226 nm: photolytic interferences and simultaneous excitation in flames

Spectral overlaps between O atom two-photon transitions and one-photon O(2) and NO transitions near 226 nm have been studied. Excitation of photodissociating O(2) levels can cause anomalously high concentration population measurements of O atoms in flames. We find that excitation of O (3)P(1) will minimize the photochemical interference, and the data presented here are necessary to quantify the extent of such effects. Alternatively, these overlaps can be exploited to obtain simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence detection of O, O(2), and NO with a single laser.