Synchrotron Radiation Studies of Nanoparticles formed in Flames and Plasmas

Abstract Intense high energy x-ray beams available from 3rd generation synchrotrons allow in-situ studies of nanoparticles in dilute media such as flames and plasmas to be performed in real time. Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements have been used by us to evaluate particles sizes, number densities and form in diffusion flames burning in air [1,2] and in air plasmas fireballs and fire columns generated by microwave radiation from solid surfaces [3,4]. In other experiments [5,6] intense ionization due to the interaction of x-rays with aggregated nanoparticles has been observed and a model for this process presented. These experiments will be reviewed and planned future activities in this area will be discussed. References 1. Demonstration of the Onset of Soot Particle Aggregation and Growth in an Ethylene Flame by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering J. B. A. Mitchell et al.,J. Appl. Phys. 105, 124904 (2009) 2. Demonstration of Soot Particle Resizing in an Ethylene Flame by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering, J. B. A. Mitchell et al., J.Appl. Phy. 100, 124918 (2006) 3. Evidence for nanoparticles in microwave-generated fireballs observed by synchrotron X-ray scattering, J.B.A. Mitchell et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 065001 (2008) 4. Nano-Particle Plasma Generated Directly from Solid Copper by Localized Microwaves E. Jerby et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 95, 191501 (2009) 5. The use of x-ray synchrotron radiation to probe soot distributions in diffusion flames, J. B. A. Mitchell et al. Combustion and Flame 131, 308 (2002) 6. Nanoparticle Destruction by X-Ray Absorption, J. B. A. Mitchell et al. Astronomy and Astrophysics 386, 743 (2002)