The methane Raman spectrum from 1200 to 5500 cm-1:: A first step toward temperature diagnostic using methane as a probe molecule in combustion systems

We present a study of the spontaneous Raman spectra of (CH4)-C-12 from 1200 to 5500 cm(-1) at various temperatures. This study is of interest from a fundamental as well as from a practical point of view with regards to the temperature diagnostic in hydrocarbon combustion. The present investigation shows that the spontaneous (CH4)-C-12 Raman spectra are very sensitive to temperature and that the complexity of methane spectra is not an obstacle to use methane as a probe molecule in laser-diagnostic techniques. Our study consists in determining the polarisability parameters of methane (CH4)-C-12, unknown at the present time, from spontaneous Raman spectra recorded at pressure less than one atmosphere to minimize the problem of line-mixing. This diagnostic method technique based on spontaneous Raman spectroscopy may be applied to temperature measurements in a uni-element rocket combustion chamber using methane-oxygen propellants. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.