Spectroscopic characterization of B/KNO3 diode-laser induced combustion.

The combustion of a B/KNO3 pyrotechnic mixture was characterized by its chemiluminescence for the first time. The reaction was initiated by a continuous wave (cw) diode laser inside a novel multipurpose reaction cell, whose design and construction are described. As in the case of the extensively studied oxidation of boron by O2, the most intense luminescence, recorded in the 400-600 nm range, is assigned to BO2. Its appearance delay time (10(-2) to 10(-1) s) equals that measured for the pressure increase and is shortened as the laser power is increased. A band observed at 355 nm appears at longer delay times than the BO2 bands. The band, and some weaker ones, may be assigned to BO, although some bands expected for BO (based on reaction between B atoms and O2) are absent from the spectra. This observation is discussed in the text, and possible emission from BN is discussed. If the band is assigned to BO, the absence of known bands may be due to specific E-V resonance energy transfer. Possible oxidation mechanisms consistent with the different delay ignition times are discussed.