Medium- and long-wavelength infrared emission from a laser-produced oxygen plasma

Experiments on a laser-produced oxygen plasma were observed by medium wavelength (MWIR) and long wavelength (LWIR) infrared emission. This research is part of a continuing series of LINUS (Laser Induced Nuclear Simulation) experiments starting in the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) and extended to longer wavelengths to continue studies on highly excited oxygen atom states produced by three-body recombination in a highly ionized, laser-produced plasma. The first observations of emission in the 5 to 8 micron region from a recombining oxygen plasma are reported, including the first experimental observation of 6h3,5 H to 5g3,5G subscript 0 oxygen atom emission. The observed linewidths of these MWIR emissions are discussed using a Stark lineshape analysis. Keywords: Infrared emission; Laser plasma; Rydberg states; Stark effect; Oxygen atoms; and Lineshape.