Direct measurement of rotationally resolved H2 Q-branch Raman coherence lifetimes using time-resolved picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

Abstract

We report direct measurement of H2 Q-branch Raman coherence lifetimes using time-resolved picosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (ps-CARS). A custom-built, high-peak-power, nearly transform-limited ps laser system offers an ideal combination of frequency and temporal resolution for such measurements. The coherence lifetimes measured for pure H2 at room temperature are in good agreement with decay rates that were derived from previous high-resolution studies. Measurements were also performed in binary mixtures of H2–X (X=Ar, N2, CH4, and C2H4). These measurements can be useful for accurate H2 ps-CARS thermometry as well as for studying various H2 collisional energy-transfer processes.