Spectroscopic-kinetic investigations of the luminescence accompanying
the explosive decomposition of silver azide are performed. A new pheno
menon is observed: predetonation luminescence. A comparison of the pre
detonation luminescence spectrum with the band structure is in agreeme
nt with a model in which the exothermic reaction 2N(3)(0)--> N-6 provi
des the energy for the explosion. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physi
cs.