The present paper is a review of recent works relating to the optical emiss
ion spectroscopy applied to the determination of the ground state densities
of N, O and B atoms in Ar-N-2, Ar-O-2 and Ar-BCl3 flowing post-discharges.
New results on the B-atom destruction probability (gamma = 0.4-0.5) on qua
rtz walls are presented. The effect of small quantities of H-2 into Ar-N-2
and Ar-O-2 discharge on N and O atoms densities within the respective post-
discharge has been analysed. Then, the authors demonstrate that the optical
emission of Na in impurity may be applied to the determination of the vibr
ational temperature of N-2 (X, v) states at the usual temperatures for nitr
iding of metals in Ar-N-2 post discharges. From the diagnostic of Ar-N-2 po
st-discharges, it is clearly specified that the nitriding of iron base allo
ys in a flowing post discharge reactor is coming from N atoms, especially a
s a few H-2 is admired into the Ar-N-2 discharge. Finally, correlation betw
een N-atom density and the thickness of iron nitrided layers are given as H
-2 is introduced into the Ar-N-2 discharge. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A.
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