Diagnostic based modeling for determining absolute atomic oxygen densities in atmospheric pressure helium-oxygen plasmas

Absolute atomic oxygen ground state densities in a radio-frequency driven atmospheric pressure plasma jet, operated in a helium-oxygen mixture, are determined using diagnostic based modeling. One-dimensional numerical simulations of the electron dynamics are combined with time integrated optical emission spectroscopy. The population dynamics of the upper O 3p (3)P (lambda = 844 nm) atomic oxygen state is governed by direct electron impact excitation, dissociative excitation, radiation losses, and collisional induced quenching. Absolute values for atomic oxygen densities are obtained through comparison with the upper Ar 2p(1) (lambda = 750.4 nm) state. Results for spatial profiles and power variations are presented and show excellent quantitative agreement with independent two-photon laser-induced fluorescence measurements. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3242382]