Molecular fluorescence of CaOH, SrOH and BaCl in flames

Abstract

Molecular fluorescence of CaOH, SrOH and BaCl was observed in a hydrogen-oxygen-argon flame, using a continuum source of excitation. Fluorescence and emission spectra were identical. The spectral distribution of the fluorescent light within a band is independent of the wavelength distribution of the irradiating light, indicating that the absorbed energy is redistributed before the fluorescence process. It was found, using wideband filters in the irradiating light beam, that energy is exchanged between the different electronic levels. The fluorescence efficiencies were determined and found to be of the same order of magnitude as the atomic flourescence efficiencies.