Measured Cd III Stark widths

The Stark FWHM (Full-Width at Half of the Maximal line intensity, W) have been measured for 16 doubly ionized cadmium (Cd III) spectral lines in a pulsed helium discharge in the wavelength interval between 200 nm and 304 nm. The helium discharge was created in the linear low pressure pulsed arc operated at 19 000 K electron temperature and 5.0×¹⁰²² m−3 electron density. The cadmium atoms were sputtered from the cadmium (99.9% purity) cylindrical plates located in the linear part of the discharge tube. The high density of the Cd III ions is boosted by cascade ionization processes via the well populated Cd II energy levels due to the Penning and charge exchange effects. The shapes of the Cd III lines are recorded using a spectrograph (McPherson model 209, 1.33 m focal-length with 2400 grooves/mm holographic grating) and intensified CCD camera (Andor DH740-18F-03) as a high-sensitive detection system. The Stark parameters introduced in this Letter are the first published experimental Cd III Stark widths.     

Emissivity of the pulsed capacitive discharge in helium-iodine and neon-iodine mixtures

The emission parameters of a pulsed capacitive discharge initiated in helium-iodine and neon-iodine mixtures are reported. The discharge plasma emits at wavelengths of 183.0 and 206.2 nm, which correspond to iodine atom spectral lines. The capacitive discharge is initiated in a cylindrical quartz tube with an electrode distance of 10 cm. The discharge radiation is optimized in exciting pulse repetition rate and helium and neon pressures in He(Ne)-I₂ mixtures. The optimal pressures of helium, neon, and iodine vapor fall into the ranges 0.8–2.0 kPa, 0.5–1.0 Pa, and ≤60 Pa, respectively.     

Experimental transition probabilities in the Ar III and Ar IV UV spectra

We present transition probabilities (Einstein's A values) for 38 Ar III (doubly ionized argon) and 14 Ar IV (triply ionized argon) spectral lines from the wavelength interval 240–308 nm. Considered spectral lines are recorded in laboratory pulsed discharge. The relative line intensity ratio procedure has been applied in evaluation of transition probabilities. As a reference for transition probability evaluation we have chosen A value of 241.884 nm spectral line in Ar III spectrum and A value of 280.947 nm in Ar IV spectrum, both obtained theoretically. Careful analysis of experimental and existing theoretical data is conducted in order to deduce uncertainties. Presented Ar III and Ar IV A values are for the first time obtained relying on experimental data.     

Stark broadening in the Sb III spectrum

The shapes of nine doubly ionized antimony (Sb III) spectral lines have been obtained in the laboratory helium plasma at 17 500 K electron temperature and electron density of . Measured line profiles are of a Voigt type. At the mentioned plasma conditions the Stark broadening has been found as the dominant mechanism in the Sb III line shapes formation. Using a deconvolution procedure the Lorentz (Stark) FWHM (Full-Width at Half of the Maximal intensity, W) have been obtained. Our measured Sb III Stark widths are the first data in the literature. The modified version of the linear, low-pressure, pulsed arc was used as a plasma source operated in helium with antimony atoms, as impurities. They were evaporated from the thin antimony layer, deposited on the silver cylindrical plates, located in the homogenous part of the discharge. This plasma source ensures good conditions for the generation of the doubly ionized antimony atoms in the helium plasma due to atomic processes concerning helium metastables.     

Measurement of electric field strengths in a waveguide by means of the dynamic Stark effect in hydrogen and neutral helium spectral lines

The dynamic Stark effect of the spectral lines H_β and of the neutral helium lines λ=402.6 nm (2³ P ⁰−5³ D) and λ=438.8 nm (2¹ P ⁰−5¹ D) emitted from a discharge tube was used for probing rf electric fields in a transverse waveguide. Calculations accounting for the pertubation of the atomic states by strong unidirectional fields prove to be suitable in order to interprete the main experimental results. If the waveguide is terminated with a metallic reflector and the plasma in the discharge tube becomes overdense—then representing a slightly permeable mirror—a resonant enhancement of the electric field strength may be achieved by tuning. This enhancement is well recognizable in the spectral line contours.     

The first Au III Stark widths

The shapes of 12 doubly ionized gold (Au III) spectral lines have been measured in the laboratory helium plasma at about 16 600 K electron temperature and 7.4×¹⁰²² m⁻³$7.4\times {10}^{22}{\text{ m}}^{\mathrm{-3}}$ electron density. At mentioned plasma conditions the Stark broadening has been found as the dominant mechanism in the Au III line shape formation. Here presented data are the first reported values for Stark widths related to the Au III lines. The modified version of the linear, low-pressure, pulsed arc was used as a plasma source operated in helium with gold atoms, as impurities, evaporated from gold cylindrical plates located in the homogeneous part of the discharge, providing conditions free of self-absorption.     

Electrical and optical characterization of pulsed plasma of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>–H<Subscript>2</Subscript>

This paper considers the electrical and optical characterization of glow discharge pulsed plasma in N₂/H₂ gas mixtures at a pressures range between 0.5 and 4.0 Torr and discharge current between 0.2 and 0.6 A. Electron temperature and ion density measurements were performed employing a double Langmuir probe. They were found to increase rapidly as the H₂ percentage in the mixture was increased up to 20%. This increase slows down as the H₂ percentage in the gas mixture was increased above 20% at the same pressure. Emission spectroscopy was employed to observe emission from the pulsed plasma of a steady-state electric discharge. The discharge mainly emits within the range 280–500 nm. The emission consists of N₂ (C-X) 316, 336, 358 nm narrow peaks and a broad band with a maximum at λ_max = 427 nm. Also lines of N₂, N₂ ⁺ and NH excited states were observed. All lines and bands have their maximum intensity at the discharge current of 0.417 A. The intensities of the main bands and spectral lines are determined as functions of the total pressure and discharge current. Agreement with other theoretical and experimental groups was established.     

Stark broadening parameters of the 381.96 nm He I line

Stark width (W) and shift (d) of the neutral helium (He I) 381.96 nm spectral line in the high lying 2p-6d transition has been measured in the optically thin linear, low-pressure, pulsed arc discharge operated in the helium at 50 000 K electron temperature and 6.1 x 10²² m^-3 electron density. These values are the first experimentally obtained W and d related to this line. Unfortunately, comparison with theoretical results is not possible due to the fact that only one existing theoretical calculations has been done at a 10¹⁹ m^-3 electron density only. We have found negative line shift (toward the blue) that agree well with existing theoretical predictions.Received: 19 February 2004, Published online: 4 May 2004PACS: 52.70.Kz Optical (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) measurements - 32.70.Cs Oscillator strengths, lifetimes, transition moments - 32.70.-n Intensities and shapes of atomic spectral lines     

VUV lamp based on mixtures of inert gases with water molecules pumped by a pulsed-periodic capacitive discharge

The spectral characteristics of the emission in the 140-315 nm range from pulsed-periodic capacitive discharges in mixtures of water vapor and helium and argon are described. In the VUV the most intense bands have maxima at λ = 156.0, 180.3, and 186.0 nm, and in the region of 300–315 nm, at λ = 312.1 and 313.4 nm. The brightness of the emission from the capacitive discharge plasma is optimized with respect to the partial pressures of helium, argon, and water vapor. The electron kinetic coefficients of discharges in argon and water vapor mixtures are calculated for E/N = 1–1000 Td.     

Emission from a DC glow discharge in a He/H2O mixture

The electrical and optical characteristics of a longitudinal dc glow discharge in a cylindrical discharge tube in mixtures of helium with saturated water vapor at room temperature are investigated. In the UV range, a broad band with a maximum at λ_max=309.6 nm and Δλ=9 nm prevails. The H_α 656.3-nm, H_β 486.1-nm, and HeI lines in the range 440–670 nm are the main diagnostic spectral lines. The helium partial pressure and the glow discharge current are optimized to achieve the maximum intensities of the 309.6-nm band and HeI and HI spectral lines. The results obtained are of interest for the development of an ecologically safe radiation source based on the products of the decomposition of water molecules and clusters in plasma.     

Stark broadening of S(III) and S(IV) lines

Measurements of the Stark widths of doubly and triply ionized sulfur lines were made in a low pressure, pulsed arc plasma of electron density 5.1 × 10¹⁶ cm^-3 at an electron temperature of 28, 500°K. The experimental S(III) and S(IV) Stark-profile halfwidths were compared with calculated values obtained with Griem's semiempirical and approximate semiclassical approach. The experimental results agree better with the semiclassical results.     

Optical characteristics of barrier discharge plasma based on mixtures of cadmium diiodide vapors with gases

The spectral, integrated, and working life characteristics of the radiation from atmospheric pressure gas discharge plasma based on multicomponent mixtures (cadmium diiodide with helium and small admixtures of molecular nitrogen and xenon) are analyzed. A pulsed barrier discharge (pulse repetition rates 5000, 5500, and 6000 Hz; pulse duration ～150 ns) is used both to produce the gas discharge plasma and to excite the components of the working mixture. Visible radiation is detected from excimer molecules of cadmium monoiodide and cadmium, xenon, and krypton atoms. Regular features are found in the variations of optical plasma characteristics with pumping pulse repetition rate and with component and quantitative mixture composition.     

Stark broadening of In III, Tb III, and Pb IV spectral lines

Using a semiclassical approach, the authors consider the widths and shifts of spectral lines for twenty In III and two Tl III multiplets initialed by collisions with electrons, protons, and ions of helium at a density of the perturbing particles of 10¹⁷ cm⁻³ and temperatures from 20,000 to 500,000 K. For two Pb IV multiplets, the widths and shifts of spectral lines produced by collisions with electrons, protons, and ions of He III at a density of the perturbing particles of 10¹⁷ cm⁻³ and temperatures from 50,000 to 1,000,000 K are considered similarly. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 6, pp. 753–757, November–December, 1999.     

Dependences of the drift velocity of electrons and the magnetoresistance effect on the ionization-degrees and the active radii of the Coulomb force of an ion sphere in an intermediately ionized plasma of a helium gas

Two weakly ionized plasmas (the ionization-degree a′′ = 10^-6 and 10^-5) and an intermediately ionized plasma (a′′ = 10^-4) are investigated. In previous work, the negative magnetoresistance effect (the increase-phenomenon of the discharge current) in a gas plasma in the case where electrons are scattered only by heavy neutral atoms was only touched upon. In this work, under the condition that electrons are scattered by heavy neutral atoms and by the Coulomb force of heavy helium ions, the dependences of “the drift velocity of electrons” and “the increase-phenomenon of the discharge current in the magnetoresistance effect” on the ionization-degrees and the active radii of the Coulomb force of a helium ion are examined. And it is pointed out that the increase-phenomenon of the discharge current in the magnetoresistance effect appears from neither the wellknown Langevin equation nor the Fokker-Planck equation.     

On the Stark broadening of the He I 447.1 nm spectral line

Characteristics of the Stark broadened and overlapping 447.1 nm He I spectral line and its forbidden 447.0 nm components have been measured at electron densities between 4.4×10²² m^-3 and 8.2×10²² m^-3 and electron temperatures between 18 000 K and 33 000 K in plasmas created in five various discharge conditions using the low pressure pulsed arc as an optically thin plasma source operated in helium-nitrogen-oxygen gas mixture. Good agreement was found among our measured line characteristics and their existing calculated values, based on the quasistatic approximation. Possible influence of the singly ionized oxygen impurity atoms (O II) on the intensity values of the dip between allowed and forbidden components was found that can explain the disagreement among some existing experimental and calculated line characteristics data, at higher electron temperatures and densities. On the basis of the observed asymmetry of the 447.1 nm spectral line profile we have obtained the ion contribution parameter at 10²² m^-3 electron density and 8 000 K electron temperature. Received 20 February 2001 and Received in final form 25 April 2001     

Optimum conditions for pumping laser transitions of cadmium ions by various processes in a hollow-cathode discharge

The interaction of electrons of various energies with helium and cadmium atoms in a hollow-cathode discharge is analyzed. On the basis of the results of this analysis the conclusion is made that helium is ionized predominantly by electrons moving from the cathode wall to the cavity axis and having energies 70<ε<300 eV, whereas helium and cadmium are ionized predominantly by electrons with energies 9<ε<70 eV which move chaotically. For each of these energy ranges, the kinetic equation is solved and the electron energy distribution function (EDF) is determined, which is used for calculating pumping rates for laser transitions of cadmium ions. The conclusion is made that the rate of population of laser transitions through charge transfer is determined by electrons having a predominant direction of motion and an anisotropic EDF. The population rate associated with electron impact and the Penning ionization is determined by electrons moving chaotically and having an isotropic EDF. The analysis of the EDF made it possible to explain differences in discharge conditions (helium and cadmium pressures) providing optimum lasing for lines pumped by different processes. Radial profiles of pump rates obtained from the analysis made it possible to calculate and explain the dependence of the laser output power on the cathode diameter.     

Optical characteristics of a transverse discharge in neon at atmospheric pressure

We present the results of investigation into radiation of a pulsed transverse discharge in neon at a pressure of 10–200 kPa. Survey spectra of plasma radiation, time characteristics of radiation, and the effect of small impurities of water vapors and air on the optical characteristics of a neon plasma were studied. We show that at a pressure of residual gases at a level of 10 Pa intense OH*, NO*, and N _* ² bands are observed in radiation of the plasma of a nanosecond transverse discharge in Ne against the background of continuous plasma radiation, and in the spectral region with λ>400 nm radiation was observed on the H_β 486.1 nm and NeI 585.3 nm lines, and (when P≥100 kPa) on the line at the 3s–3p-transitions of a Ne atom. The radiation intensity of the third continuum of neon increases with pressure and with energy contribution to plasma, with its maximum being located in the VUV spectral region (λ _max <200 nm). To whom correspondence should be adressed. Uzhgorod State University, 46, Pidgirna St., Uzhgorod, Ukraine. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 5–10, January–February, 1999.     

Transition probabilities in Kr II and Kr III spectra

On the basis of the relative line intensity ratio (RLIR) method, transition probability values of the spontaneous emission (Einsteins A values) of 14 transitions in the singly (Kr II) and 7 transitions in doubly (Kr III) ionized krypton spectra have been obtained relatively to the reference A values related to the 435.548 nm Kr II and 324.569 nm Kr III, the most intensive transitions in the Kr II and Kr III spectra. Our Kr III transition probability values are the first data obtained experimentally using the RLIR method. A linear, low-pressure, pulsed arc operated in krypton discharge was used as an optically thin plasma source at a 17 000 K electron temperature and 1.65 x 10²³ m^-3 electron density. Our experimental relative A values are compared with previous experimental and theoretical data.Received: 16 June 2003, Published online: 16 September 2003PACS: 52.70.Kz Optical (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) measurements - 32.70.Cs Oscillator strengths, lifetimes, transition moments - 32.70.Fw Absolute and relative intensities     

Emission characteristics of a discharge iodine vapor plasma in the spectral region of the main absorption maximum of DNA molecules

Radiation of glow and capacitive discharges in inert gas-iodine vapor mixtures is studied in the spectral range 150–210 nm, which coincides with the main absorption maximum of the DNA molecules. Iodine atomic spectral lines at 150.7, 161.8, 170.2, 183.0, and 206.2 nm are observed in the spectra. The emission intensity of the iodine spectral lines is optimized by varying the glow discharge current, capacitive discharge frequency, as well as pressure and composition of the gas mixtures. The glow and capacitive discharges are ignited in cylindrical quartz tubes with interelectrode gaps of 10 and 6 cm. Helium and neon are found to be the most effective buffer gases. The optimum partial pressures of the light inert gases and iodine vapor in the glow discharge are within 0.4–0.6 kPa and 100–150 Pa, respectively. In the capacitive discharge in He(Ne)-I₂ mixtures, the optimum partial helium, neon, and iodine vapor pressures are within 0.8–2.0 kPa, 0.5–1.0 kPa, and ≤ 60 Pa, respectively. It is demonstrated that pulsed bactericidal radiation sources with light pulse lengths of 400–500 ns and continuous radiation sources emitting within the spectral range 150–207 nm can be designed on the basis of low-density iodine vapor plasma.     

Spectroscopic characterization of aluminum plasma using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

A detailed investigation of aluminum plasma induced by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser in air was performed. The emission of spectral lines arising from Al I transition at 396.07 nm, Al II transition at 358.46 nm, Al III transition at 360.72 nm and Al IV transition at 363.05 nm were well-resolved. The plasma parameters including electron temperature and electron density were determined through the Boltzmann plot method using the emission line intensities of the same ionized stages of aluminum atoms and the Stark-broadening profiles of Al II emission line, respectively. The temporal evolutions of the spectral lines belonging to atomic and ionic aluminum elements and the plasma parameters were investigated at three different laser pulse energies. Moreover, the validity of local thermodynamic equilibrium was elucidated in our experimental condition.