Automated Direct Current Arc Time Studies Using a Computer-Coupled Photodiode Array Spectrometer

Abstract

A hardware and software system has been developed which is capable of automatically acquiring and analyzing intensity-time data from a dc arc source. This system is based on a computer-coupled photodiode array spectrometer with which 260 Å of continuous spectral information can be simultaneously measured and stored directly in a small computer. With the present system up to seven time sequential spectra, each representing the integral of the spectral intensity over times ranging from 1 to 10 sec, can be automatically obtained during a dc arc burn. The time interval spectra can then be analyzed under computer control and the intensity-time curves for any desired lines can be plotted on a computer terminal within about 2 min after termination of the are burn. The application of the system to some simple dc arc time studies is discussed and illustrated.

Keywords

dc arc spectrochemical analysis Photodiode array spectrometer Computer applications

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