Laser Spectroscopy of Levitated Microparticles in Molecular Plasmas

摘要

During the past decade there has been increasing interest in the Chemistry and Physics of small particles in low temperature electric plasmas. This project aims to study spherical particles with the dimensions of microns (microspheres) levitated in molecular plasmas. A non invasive optical technique, Raman spectroscopy, is being used to probe the surface of the microspheres. Enhancement of the Raman signal will be achieved using whispering gallery modes (wgm's) in the microspheres, where the laser light is entrained at or near the particle surface. A range of particle types will be used in conjunction with different molecular plasmas. The effect of plasma parameters on the molecular structure of the surface of the microspheres will provide fundamental information on plasma-particle interactions.