Abstract
A laser-based technique for the conversion of methane into higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen has been developed. This technique involves the photo-dissociation of methane using a high power pulsed ultraviolet laser at 355 nm. The reaction products, such as CH, CH
2
, C
2
H
2
, atomic and molecular hydrogen, are characterized by real-time laser induced fluorescence for the first time, to our knowledge. In addition to this online fluorescence detection of the species, gas chromatography is also applied to analyze the stable hydrocarbon products generated due to photo-dissociation of methane.
Another interesting result of the laser excitation of methane is the observation of Stimulated Raman lines (Stokes and Antistokes) observed in the 150-850 nm region, which is a manifestation of the inherent characteristics of the laser radiation such as high directionality and high intensity.