Plasma species in methane-hydrogen and methane-hydrogen-argon arcjet plasmas

Summary form only given, as follows. An arcjet engine plume was used to generate methane hydrogen plasma for the growth of diamond films. The plasma species were determined through emission spectroscopy. Of particular interest were those species measurements were done to produce of profile both longitudinally and vertically in the plasma plume to determine the distribution of species throughout the plume as a function of several parameters, including gas mixture, pressure, and arcjet power. In addition, argon was added to the arcjet to determine its effects on the plasma species present. It was found that a small amount of argon had a significant effect on the species present.