Knowledge Bank

IInfrared emission spectra of $N2-CO$ solutions have been studied and vibrational lifetimes measured in an effort to better understand the energy storage properties fo this system. $N2$ is vibrationally excited using blackbody radiation and the vibrational energy is collisionally transfered to the CO. As the CO fluoresces, spectra of the emitted light are recorded. Lifetimes are taken from the CO fluorescent decay after the exciting light is blocked. Results show that as the concentration of CO increases the relaxation rate of the system initially linearly increases. At higher CO concentrations ($>.3$) the relaxation rate actually decreases as self-absorbtion begins to dominate the relaxation process. The implications of the energy storage properties of the system will be discussed.