Emission characteristics of a glow discharge plasma based on a mixture of helium with chlorine molecules

We present the results of a study of the emission characteristics of a longitudinal glow discharge based on a mixture of helium and chlorine. Study of the emission characteristics of the discharge showed that it emits most efficiently in the bands of the chlorine molecule with maxima at 200 nm and 258 nm in an He-Cl₂ mixture (P = 0.2–0.3 kPa). We present the optimization of the average emission power of a UV emitter as a function of the glow discharge parameters, the pressure, and the composition of the working gas mixture. Based on solution of the Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function in a discharge based on the optimal mixture (according to experimental data), we calculated the power losses per unit pressure going toward elementary processes, the electron transport characteristics, the ionization and attachment coefficients as a function of the parameter E/P. The calculated parameters of the plasma for the UV emitter allowed us to provide a basis for the qualitative pattern of physicochemical processes in the studied plasma. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 1, pp. 121–124, January–February, 2008.     

RF exciplex halogen source of UV radiation on an argon-xenon-chlorine mixture

An exciplex halogen source of UV radiation that is excited by an rf transverse discharge is studied experimentally. The active medium of the source is an Ar-Xe-Cl₂ mixture kept at a low pressure (100–1000 Pa), and its working spectral range is 220–450 nm. The radiation spectrum contains 235 nm XeCl(D-X), 257 nm Cl₂(D′-A′), 306 nm XeCl(B-X), 390 nm XeCl(C-A), and 430 nm XeCl(B-A) lines. The results of optimization of the UV power as a function of the pressure, Ar-Xe-Cl₂ mixture composition, and excitation power are reported.     

Output characteristics and parameters of the plasma from a gas-discharge low-pressure ultraviolet source using helium-iodine and xenon-iodine mixtures

The output characteristics and parameters of the plasma of a powerful gas-discharge source of UV radiation are studied. The UV source uses He-I₂ and Xe-I₂ mixtures and is excited by a longitudinal glow discharge. The pressure of the gas mixtures is varied from 100 to 1500 Pa, and the discharge power falls into the range 15–250 W. The source (lamp) emits in the spectral interval 200–390 nm, which covers the spectral line of the iodine atom at 206.2 nm, the spectral band of XeI(B-X) with a maximum at 253 nm, and the spectral band of with a maximum at 342 nm. For He(Xe)-I₂ mixtures at a pressure of 800–1000 Pa (this pressure range is near-optimal according to our experimental data), the electron energy distribution functions and the electron kinetic coefficients as functions of parameter E/N (E is the electric field strength, and N is the particle concentration in the discharge) are calculated. The calculated plasma parameters are used in the qualitative analysis of key electronic processes in the plasma of an exciplex halogen UV source and will be subsequently employed in numerical simulation of the process kinetics and output characteristics of a UV source based on helium-iodine or xenon-iodine mixtures.     

Optical characteristics and parameters of a gas discharge plasma based on a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor and helium

We present the results of studies of the optical characteristics and parameters of a gas discharge plasma produced by a barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure, based on a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor and helium (the working medium of a small (emitting area 8 cm²) exciplex gas discharge emitter). An average emission power of 70 mW (λ_max = 502 nm) was achieved for pump pulse repetition frequency 6 kHz, voltage pulse amplitude 2.3 kV, and current pulse amplitude 8 A of duration ~100 nsec. We established the plasma parameters: the electron energy distribution functions, the transport characteristics, the discharge power losses per unit pressure going toward electron processes, the electron concentration and temperature, and also the rate constants for processes of elastic and inelastic scattering of electrons by the components of the working mixture as a function of the parameter E/N, where E is the electric field strength and N is the total concentration of mercury dibromide molecules and helium atoms.     

Emission characteristics of a gas-discharge plasma of water vapor in the vacuum UV region of the spectrum

We present the results of a study of emission from a low-density water vapor plasma in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region of the spectrum. The plasma was formed in a longitudinal glow discharge. We have studied the spectral characteristics of the plasma and also the dependences of the relative energy characteristics of the hydroxyl (OH) emission band on the discharge current and the helium partial pressure in a He-H₂O mixture in the spectral range 130–190 nm. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 6, pp. 831–833, November–December, 2006.     

Short-wavelength emission characteristics of a longitudinal bromine vapor glow discharge in a quartz tube

The output emission characteristics are presented in the spectral range 150–350 nm for a longitudinal bromine vapor glow discharge in a quartz tube (inner diameter 1.4 cm, interelectrode distance 10 cm). Pressure of the working mixtures: P = 0.2–1.0 kPa. The emission spectrum of the lamp based on an He-Br₂ mixture consists of the 163.3 nm and 157.6 nm spectral lines of the bromine atom and a system of molecular bromine bands (170–300 nm). The total power of UV-VUV emission of the lamp based on an He-Br₂ mixture is 5 W max for efficiency <10%. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 816–819, November–December, 2007.     

Source of far and vacuum ultraviolet radiation based on a transverse high-frequency discharge

We present the results of an investigation of a short-wavelength radiation source (Δλ = 130–350 nm) with excitation by a transverse high-frequency (f = 1.76 MHz) discharge based on a mixture of argon and chlorine (p = 100–500 Pa). We have studied the spectral characteristics of the plasma, the oscilloscope traces of the voltage, the current and emission of the discharge, the dependence of the power of the emission on the electrical power of the discharge, and also the pressure and partial composition of the Ar/Cl₂ mixture. The UV-VUV source emits in a system of broadened and overlapping ArCl(B/X), Cl₂(D′/A′), and Cl**₂ molecular bands. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 5, pp. 648–651, September–October, 2007.     

Synthesis of nanoparticles in an atmospheric pressure glow discharge

Nanopowders are produced in a low temperature, non-equilibrium plasma jet (APPJ), which produces a glow discharge at atmospheric pressure, for the first time. Amorphous carbon and iron nanoparticles have been synthesized from Acetylene and Ferrocene/H₂, respectively. High generation rates are achieved from the glow discharge at near-ambient temperature (40–80°C), and rise with increasing plasma power and precursor concentration. Fairly narrow particle size distributions are measured with a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and an aerosol electrometer (AEM), and are centered around 30–35 nm for carbon and 20–25 nm for iron. Particle characteristics analyzed by TEM and EDX reveal amorphous carbon and iron nanoparticles. The Fe particles are highly oxidized on exposure to air. Comparison of the mobility and micrograph diameters reveal that the particles are hardly agglomerated or unagglomerated. This is ascribed to the unipolar charge on particles in the plasma. The generated particle distributions are examined as a function of process parameters.     

Influence of the iodine vapor pressure on the output characteristics of a UV low-pressure gas-discharge lamp

The influence of the iodine vapor pressure on the output characteristics of a UV lamp pumped by a longitudinal glow discharge is studied. The lamp is filled with a helium-iodine mixture to a pressure of 100–1500 Pa. In the spectral range 320–360 nm, the I₂(D′ → A′) band with a peak at 342 nm prevails, while in the bactericidal range, iodine atomic lines at 183.0 and 206.2 nm dominate. The power of the UV lamp is optimized according to the iodine vapor pressure and working mixture composition by numerical simulation.     

Laser-induced fluorescence monitoring of the gas phase in a glow discharge during reactive sputtering of vanadium

Processes in the gas phase of a glow discharge during diode and magnetron reactive sputtering of vanadium in an Ar–O₂ atmosphere have been investigated by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) as a function of the parameters of the glow discharge and the composition of the atmosphere. The intensity of the fluorescence spectra increased by 1.5–2.0 orders of magnitude in the magnetron sputtering process compared with that of diode sputtering. Under continuous sputtering conditions, the dependences of the intensities and relative compositions of the fluorescence spectra on the discharge parameters (discharge voltage and current) have been investigated. In pulsed mode of the glow discharge, the dynamics of changes in the spectra have been studied versus variations in the discharge duration and the lag time for recording the fluorescence signal. The dependence of the spectral line intensities on the partial pressure of oxygen has been found for vanadium and its oxide. The cathode surface at pressures of 0.03–0.04 Pa was shown to convert to the oxidized state.     

Emission characteristics of a glow discharge in a mixture of heavy inert gases with iodine vapor

The results of a systematic investigation of the emission characteristics of a low-pressure UV excimer-halogen lamp pumped by a longitudinal dc glow discharge are presented. The discharge was initiated in mixtures of heavy inert gases with iodine vapor at a total pressure of 100–2000 Pa and a power deposited into the plasma of 10–100 W. Current-voltage characteristics of the glow discharge and emission spectra of the plasma in the region of 190–360 nm are studied. The radiation intensity at the resonance line of the iodine atom (206.2 nm) and the intensity at the peaks of the XeI(B-X) (253 nm) and I₂(B-X) (342 nm) emission bands are analyzed as functions of the pressure and partial composition of the mixtures of Ar, Kr, and Xe with iodine vapor, as well as the electric power of the glow discharge. The most efficient gas mixtures are determined for an electric-discharge UV iodine vapor lamp with continuous-wave emission and a long service life before a change of the mixture is required.     

Langmuir probe and spectroscopic studies of RF generated helium-nitrogen mixture plasma

This paper reports the effect of helium percentage variation in a capacitive RF helium-nitrogen mixture plasma on various plasma parameters and concentration of nitrogen active species (N₂(C³Π _u) and N₂ ⁺(B²Σ _u ⁺)). Langmuir probe is used for determination of electron energy distribution functions, effective electron temperature, plasma potential and electron density. Optical emission spectroscopy is used for determination of electron temperature from Boltzmann's plot of He–I lines and the relative changes in the concentration of active species by measuring the emission intensities of nitrogen (0-0) bands of the second positive and the first negative systems. The results demonstrate that electron temperature, electron density and concentration of active species increase significantly with increase in helium percentage in the mixture and RF power.     

Glow-discharge-pumped broadband ultraviolet lamp

The optical characteristics of a UV broadband lamp that was excited by a longitudinal glow discharge and operated on Kr—Br₂—I₂, Xe—Br₂—I₂, and Kr—Xe—Br₂—I₂ mixtures are investigated. The interelectrode spacing in the lamp is 10 cm, the inner diameter of a discharge tube being 14 mm. The current-voltage characteristics, the emission spectra of the plasma, and the dependence of the intensity of spectral lines (the amplitude of radiation bands) on the power that was pumped into the plasma based on mixtures of various compositions and pressures, as well as the radiation power in the spectral range from 200 to 390 nm, are studied. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 6, pp. 840–842, November–December, 2005.     

Bipolar atmospheric-pressure corona discharge in a He/H2 mixture

Results are presented from a study of the characteristics of a steady-state plasma in a He/H₂ mixture at high pressures. The plasma is formed in the outer region of a multielectrode corona discharge. It is shown that molecules of helium hydride form in such a medium, and their decomposition is accompanied by continuum emission in the 350–650 nm region. The corona discharge is distributed over the length and can be used in systems for the transverse electric circulation of the working medium of atmospheric-pressure plasma radiation sources. The reference spectra of the plasma emission and the dependence of the relative intensity of the lines and the brightness of the bands of He ₂ ^* on the value of the discharge current, pressure, and composition of the working mixture are investigated. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 33–37 (July 1999)     

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.     

Optical characteristics and plasma parameters of a blue-green exciplex lamp

The optical characteristics and plasma parameters of an exciplex lamp radiating in the blue-green spectral range are studied. A plasma is generated by an atmospheric-pressure barrier discharge initiated in a quaternary mixture including mercury dibromide, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, and helium. It is shown that the exciplex lamp can radiate at an elevated repetition rate of pump pulses (1–12 kHz) under the conditions of mixture self-heating. A tradeoff between the radiation power and nitrogen partial pressure is found. The mean specific radiation power in the blue-green range at a level of 480 mW/cm³ is achieved at partial vapor pressures of mercury dibromide, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, and helium of 0.70, 0.07, 4.00, and 117.20 kPa, respectively. The plasma parameters, namely, the electron energy distribution function; concentration, temperature, and mean energy of electrons; transport properties; and rate constants of elastic and inelastic electron scattering by the working mixture components are determined as functions of ratio E/N (where E is the electric field strength and N is the total concentration of mercury dibromide, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen molecules and helium atoms). It is found that mercury monobromide molecules and also excited and higher energy states take part in the population of exciplex molecules HgBr* (B²Σ₁^2/+ states) in the course of quenching these exciplexes by sulfur hexafluoride and nitrogen molecules.     

Emission of mercury monobromide exciplex in gas-discharge plasma based on mixture of mercury dibromide vapor with sulfur hexafluoride and helium

We present the results of investigations of an emission of a mercury monobromide exciplex in gas-discharge plasma of an atmospheric pressure barrier discharge based on a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor, sulfur hexafluoride, and helium. We optimized the emission power of mercury monobromide exciplexes with respect to the partial pressures of the working mixture. An average emission power of 0.42 W (λ_max = 502 nm) is achieved in a cylindrical emission source with a small working volume (0.8 cm³) at a pumping pulse repetition rate of 6 kHz. We determined electron energy distribution functions, transport characteristics, specific discharge power losses for electron processes, electron concentration and temperature, as well as rate constants of elastic and inelastic scattering of electrons by components of the working mixture in relation to the ratio of the field strength to the total concentration of components of the working mixture. We discuss processes that increase the population of the mercury monobromide exciplex. Gas-discharge plasma created in a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor with sulfur hexafluoride and helium can be used as a working medium of an emission source in the blue-green spectral range for the use in scientific research in biotechnology, photonics, and medicine, as well as for creating indicator gas-discharge panels.     

Parameters of the discharge plasmas of surface-plasma sources of negative hydrogen ions

The main parameters of the plasma of high-current hydrogen-cesium glow discharges of surface-plasma (planotron and Penning) sources of negative hydrogen ions are determined using contact-free spectroscopic methods and compared for identical discharge current densities. The elemental and charge composition of the plasma is established. The temperature of the hydrogen atoms and the energy of the visible-range radiation of the plasma discharge are measured and estimates of the electron density in the plasma are made. The dynamics of the change in the parameters of the discharge plasma of a Penning source — the densities of hydrogen atoms, cesium atoms and ions, and molybdenum atoms — is tracked during a discharge pulse with spatial resolution along two coordinates. It is observed that cesium atoms and ions and molybdenum atoms are pent up near the cathode surface. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 68, 32–38 (October 1998)     

Modeling of a hemispherical inductively coupled plasma using neural network

In this study, a hemispherical inductively coupled plasma (HICP) was modeled by using a neural network called a radial basis function network (RBFN). The prediction performance of RBFN models were optimized by using a genetic algorithm. Using a Langmuir probe, experimental data were collected from the HICP equipment of 10 turns. For a systematic modeling, plasma discharge was characterized by using a statistical experiment. The process parameters involved include a radio frequency source power, pressure, position of probe tip, and Cl₂ flow rate. The plasma characteristics modeled include plasma density and electron temperature. From the optimized models, 3D plots were generated to explore parameter effects. Plasma density (or electron temperature) was the most strongly dependent on the tip position. The effect of source power on plasma density was almost independent of Cl₂ flow rate. The effect of pressure was inclined to slightly decrease plasma density. Unlike in other plasma sources, electron temperature was little affected by pressure. The effect of Cl₂ flow rate of increasing electron temperature was the most significant under higher plasma density.     

Transients and efficient generation of electron beams in the pulsed wide-aperture glow discharge

The quasi-continuous wide-aperture glow discharge in helium at pressures from 1.2 to 6.0 Torr is studied. It is found that electron beam generation efficiency η is higher than 96% in the pressure range 1.2–3.0 Torr at voltages from 1.0 to 2.6 kV. The maximum power was ≈ 0 kW at 6 Torr and a voltage across the discharge gap of 2.6 kV. Under these conditions, the beam generation efficiency is about 80%. The pressure and voltage dependences of main parameters of the discharge are explained from the standpoint of its photoemission nature.