Laser-induced fluorescence measurement of oxygen atoms above a catalytic combustor surface

Two-photon laser-induced fluorescence has been used to detect oxygen atoms in the gas phase above a heated, catalytically stabilized combustor. Excitation was at 226 nm and detection at 777 nm. Special care using the collection optics was necessary to avoid detector saturation from intense thermal emission background from the heated plate. The experimental configuration together with considerations of quenching collisions and photochemical production of oxygen atoms are described.