Detection of fluorescent nanoparticles in flame with femtosecond laser-induced fluorescence anisotropy

The mean size of fluorescent nanoparticles produced in a propane flame has been measured with an in-situ technique employing a femtosecond laser to excite the sample and a streak camera for time-resolved detection of the fluorescence. The time profile of the fluorescence anisotropy showed a Gaussian behaviour, typical of free rotor reorientation. By measuring its width, we estimated an average carbon particle diameter of 3.3 nm, thus confirming the existence of combustion produced nanoparticles. The technique proves to be applicable to the study of gas-phase nanoparticles, both in combustion and environmental studies.