Detection of AlO and TiO by laser-induced fluorescence in powder synthesis flames

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been used to detect AlO and TiO in low pressure hydrogen/oxygen flames with added metalorganic precursors. Such flames are used for synthesis of alumina and titania nanopowders. Knowledge of the monoxide profiles in these flames is useful in developing chemical models for the complex pyrolysis of metalorganics in flames. Challenges to detection of AlO and TiO include strong scattering background from the particle-laden flame, as well as interferences from broadband fluorescence. We present strategies that allow for sensitive detection of these species in the presence of such interferences, with minimum temperature correction required.