Time-resolved optical spectroscopy to track the CO2 dissociation in a nanosecond pulsed discharge

Plasma technology can convert CO
2
and CH
4
to chemical feedstocks, storing renewable energy and recycling greenhouse gases. Atmospheric pressure nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) discharges are highly effective in converting CO
2
to CO and O
2
due to the strong out-of-equilibrium conditions [1, 2]. Understanding and tuning plasma dissociation mechanisms are crucial for improving technology efficiency. To achieve this goal, we need knowledge of how plasma changes over time, including variations in gas and electron temperatures, electron density, and gas conversion rates. However, investigating such a harsh and transient environment requires non-invasive and time-resolved diagnostic techniques.