A time-resolved Fourier transform emission spectrometer, operating in
the stop-scan mode, is demonstrated as an inexpensive and versatile in
strument for observation of infrared vibrational chemiluminescence. Th
e entire evolution of an emission spectrum is obtained from a single s
can of the interferometer, with a spectral and temporal resolution of
2 cm-1 and 10 ns, respectively. Results are presented for a number of
radical-radical reactions studied by this technique, where emission fr
om highly excited CO, HF, CO2, and N2O is observed. Measurements inclu
de nascent vibrational distributions, quantum yields for branching int
o different product channels, and bimolecular rate constants for the p
roduction and vibrational relaxation of product species. Experiments a
t low total pressure enable nascent vibrational and rotational distrib
utions to be found for the HF fragment of the CO2 laser photolysis of
1,1-chlorofluoroethylene. In addition, time-resolved spectra of HF, CO
, CO2, CF4, and CHF3 are demonstrated for infrared emission observed f
rom a reactive ion plasma etching chamber.