Increasing the concentration of singlet delta oxygen in discharge products by adding NO<sub class="a-plus-plus">2</sub> to oxygen

The possibility is considered of increasing the concentration of singlet oxygen (SO), which is obtained in a discharge, by way of adding nitrogen dioxide to the starting gas. The presence of NO$_2$ in the mixture must cause the removal of atomic oxygen formed in the discharge and, accordingly, a decrease in the loss of SO. The simulation of the kinetics of the products of dc discharge in a flow of oxygen is used for determining the values of expected increase in the concentration of SO, as well of the concentration of NO$_2$, which are required for attaining the maximal effect. It is demonstrated that, at oxygen pressures of $\sim 6$ torr and higher, the addition of NO$_2$ may produce a double and higher increase in the concentration of SO in regions of post-discharge flow with transport times of $\sim 5$–$10$ ms.