Pressure-dependent terahertz optical characterization of heptafluoropropane

Heptafluoropropane (HFP), as the best alternative to halon fire-suppression agents, is now a widely used fire extinguishing agent. The current studies of HFP, concentrating on the extinguishing mechanisms of flames and decomposition products, in general deal with the destructive and high temperature cases. In this paper, terahertz time-domain spectra are used to characterize HFP at different pressures. Optical parameters of HFP, such as absorption coefficient, refractive index, and relative permittivity, and their relationship with concentration of samples, are discussed. The absorption peak of HFP at 0.3 THz depends strongly on the applied pressure, and the corresponding parameters increase almost linearly with increasing HFP concentration. The present study lays a foundation for future extensive applications.