Excitation of Doubly‐Charged Ion Emission Lines from a Grimm‐Style Glow Discharge Plasma—Comparison Between Yttrium and Zirconium

Spectra of yttrium and zirconium emitted from a Grimm‐style glow discharge plasma were investigated to elucidate the excitation mechanism of doubly‐charged ionic lines when using argon–helium mixed gas as well as argon gas alone. The energy sum for exciting doubly‐charged ion species of yttrium is slightly smaller compared to the case of zirconium, which yields an interesting correlation in the excitation energy between their ionic species and excited species of helium or argon. The Y III emission lines which were assigned to the 4p⁶5p–4p⁶5s(4p⁶4d) transitions could be observed in the argon–helium mixed gas plasma, but those were hardly excited with argon gas only. The Zr III emission lines did not appear in the spectra emitted by the argon gas plasma nor by the mixed gas plasma. A possible explanation for these phenomena is that the excitation of these ionic species is caused principally by collisional energy transfer from helium species to the analyte atoms.     

Excitation Mechanisms of Copper Ionic and Atomic Lines Emitted from a Low‐Pressure Argon Laser‐Induced Plasma

Abstract

Low‐pressure laser‐induced plasmas generated with a pulsed Nd∶YAG laser have complicated structures both temporally and spatially. The emission characteristics of the plasma are investigated for optimizing the experimental parameters in atomic emission spectrometry. The emission intensities of copper emission lines, measured in a time‐resolved as well as a time‐integrated mode, are strongly dependent on the kind of copper lines, ionic or atomic line, and the excitation energy. Also, the pressure of argon gas is the most important parameter for determining the behavior of these emission lines, including argon lines. Generally, copper ionic lines are dominantly emitted from the initial breakdown zone, because the copper ions are produced mainly in the hot breakdown zone. However, the Cu II 229.44‐nm line is emitted also from the expansion zone of the plasma. It results from an additional excitation process through the charge‐transfer collision particularly effective for the corresponding excited level. In this work, the excitation mechanisms for Cu I, Ar I, and Ar II lines are also discussed. The excitations occurring in the laser‐induced plasma can be well understood by taking the temporal and spatial variations in their intensities into consideration.     

Optical Emission of Molecular Hydrogen in a Recombining Hydrogen Plasma

We observed optical emission of molecular hydrogen in a recombining hydrogen plasma with an electron temperature of 0.1 eV and an electron density of 3 × 10¹²cm^–3. The optical emission intensities of molecular hydrogen in the recombining plasma were roughly 10%–45% of those in an ionizing plasma with an electron temperature of 4 eV. The ratio was greater for a transition line originated from an excited state with a larger vibrational quantum number. Because of the low electron temperature of 0.1 eV, the production processes of excited states are not considered electron impact excitation in the recombining plasma. Possible recombination processes are discussed which produce excited states of molecular hydrogen in the recombining plasma (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Some lifetimes and transition probabilities in Cu(I)

Radiative lifetimes of 7 levels in the Cu(I) 3d⁹ 4s4p configuration have been measured using a delayed coincidence technique; copper vapor was excited in an argon buffer gas and cross sections for collisional destruction of copper levels by argon were also obtained. Transition probabilities of the lines originating from these levels have been determined using the measured lifetimes and branching ratios.     

Emission of excited copper atoms in laser-produced erosion plasmas

The distribution of emission from excited states of a copper atom in erosion plasmas formed in vacuum by the action of neodymium laser pulses with a power density of (3–5)×10⁸ W/cm² on a copper target is studied. Averaged spectra and oscillograms of emission of Cu I lines were recorded in a region of 210–600 nm. Resonant lines of Cu I, lines of cascade transitions to resonant levels of Cu I, and lines from shifted levels of a copper atom are shown to possess the highest intensity. Oscillograms of emission at Cu I transitions have two peaks, which may be associated with two phases of surface evaporation of copper: under the action of a Nd³⁺:YAG laser pulse and radiation of the core of an erosion plasma plume. The relationship between the intensities of peaks in oscillograms of emission of Cu I lines points to the presence of a considerable cascade contribution to the population of the resonant states of Cu I and self-absorption of resonant lines of a copper atom at the first stage of evaporation of a copper target.     

Charge-transfer transitions and optical spectra of vanadates

Specific features of the charge-transfer states and O2p → V3d transitions in the (VO₆)^9? octahedral complex are studied using the cluster approach. The reduced matrix elements of the electric-dipole transition operator are calculated for many-electron wave functions corresponding to the initial and final states of a charge-transfer transition. Using a parameterization of the results, the relative intensities of the allowed charge-transfer transitions are calculated disregarding the mixing of different configurations of the same symmetry. The Tanabe-Sugano theory is used with inclusion of this mixing to calculate the energies of many-electron charge-transfer transitions and their actual intensities. Modeling of the optical spectrum of LaVO₃ reveals a complicated charge-transfer transition band consisting of 81 lines. The main maxima of the band are in the range 6.3–7.3 eV. There are also additional maxima in the regions of ≈3 and ≈8–9 eV. The bandwidth is ≈10 eV. The results of model calculations are in agreement with experiments and demonstrate the weakness of the widely used assumption that the spectrum of charge-transfer transitions has a simple structure.     

Collisional-radiative model for non-Maxwellian inductively coupled argon plasmas using detailed fine-structure relativistic distorted-wave cross sections

Our recently developed collisional-radiative model which included fine-structure cross sections calculated with a fully relativistic distorted-wave method [R.K. Gangwar, L. Sharma, R. Srivastava, A.D. Stauffer, J. Appl. Phys. 111, 053307 (2012)] has been extended to study non-Maxwellian inductively coupled argon plasmas. We have added more processes to our earlier collisional-radiative model by further incorporating relativistic distorted-wave electron impact cross sections from the 3p ⁵4sJ = 0, 2 metastable states, (1s ₃, 1s ₅ in Paschen’s notation) to the 3p ⁵5p (3p _i ) excited states. The population of various excited levels at different pressures in the range of 1–25 mTorr for an inductively coupled argon plasma have been calculated and compared with the recent optical absorption spectroscopy measurements as well as emission model results of Boffard et al. [Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 19, 065001 (2010)]. We have also calculated the intensities of two emission lines, 420.1 nm (3p ₉ → 1s ₅) and 419.8 nm (3p ₅ → 1s ₄) and compared with measured intensities reported by Boffard et al. [J. Phys. D 45, 045201 (2012)]. Our results are in good agreement with the measurements.     

Spectroscopic Investigation of a Double Discharge Pulsed Electron Beam Generator

ABSTRACT

The wide range of applications of the plasma-based electron beam generator make it necessary to diagnose the device with a noninterfering method. The results of experimental and modeling studies of neutral helium and hydrogen beta spectral lines emitted from the double discharge pulsed electron beam generator are presented in this paper. Neutral helium lines emitted from the plasma in the pressure range 0.1–0.4 torr are studied and compared with results of the collisional radiative model. The duration of the electron beam is shorter than 100 ns, and the peak current intensity is of order amperes. The full width at half maximum of the H _β spectral line is used for the determination of the plasma electron density, found as 3.16 × 10²¹ m^?3 at 0.3 torr, and good agreement is obtained by comparing with the full computer simulation method.     

Measurement of C2 and CH temperatures in argon‐acetylene low‐pressure microwave‐induced plasma

The emission spectra of C₂(d³Π_g–a³Π_u), CH(A²Δ–X²Π), and CH(B²Σ–X²Π) bands are analysed to measure rotational T_rot, vibrational T_vib, and gas temperature T_g from Ar/C₂H₂ (5–20% C₂H₂) microwave‐induced plasma (MIP). In case when helium and hydrogen are used in the gas mixture instead of argon, no significant change in T_rot is noticed. Both studied temperatures are insensitive in terms of the C₂H₂ percentage. From CH(0–0, A²Δ–X²Π) band R₂ branch lines, two T_rot (T_rot ～ 520–580 K for J′ = 3–9 and T_rot ～ 1,700–1,800 K for J′ = 10–17) are determined. The lower T_rot equals the T_g (500–700 K) measured from C₂ bands in this study. The H₂ Fulcher‐α diagonal bands are recorded as well in the H₂/C₂H₂ mixtures and T_rot～750–900 K of the H₂ ground state measured. T_vib ～ 6,000 K in Ar/C₂H₂ MIP is calculated from the integral intensity ratio of C₂(2,1) and C₂(3,2) bands.     

Generation and characterization of a bright X-ray source using picosecond laser

High-resolution soft X-ray spectra of H-like and He-like ions were produced from laser irradiated silicon and aluminum targets. Plasma size was about 100 μm. X-ray spectra were analyzed to determine plasma parameters. We compared the line shape of resonance transitions and their intensity ratios to corresponding dielectronic satellites and the intensities of the inter combination lines of He-like ions, with the results of model calculations. Such comparison gave average values of the electron density N _e=(1?1.9)×10²¹ cm^?3 and the electron temperature T _e=460–560 eV for Si plasmas and about 560 eV for Al plasmas produced by the first and the second laser harmonics. According to our estimations, more than 10¹² photons were produced within the resonance line spectral width and in the solid angle 2π steredian during the total decay period.     

The energy of thermal electrons in electron beam created helium discharges

We have measured the electron energy of the thermal group of electrons in both longitudinal and transverse electron beam created helium glow discharges. The measurement technique employs the ratio of intensities of spectral lines in the 2s³S?np³P He I series. Values of kT_e between 0.07 and 0.11 eV were obtained. These energies are typical of the beam-generated electric field free plasmas. The competitive loss of helium ions by recombination and by charge transfer in a He?Hg electron beam created plasma is calculated. The results are applied to the Hg⁺ laser pumping scheme using a electron beam created He?Hg plasma.     

Microwave power coupling with electron cyclotron resonance plasma using Langmuir probe

Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma was produced at 2.45 GHz using 200–750 W microwave power. The plasma was produced from argon gas at a pressure of 2 × 10^???4 mbar. Three water-cooled solenoid coils were used to satisfy the ECR resonant conditions inside the plasma chamber. The basic parameters of plasma, such as electron density, electron temperature, floating potential, and plasma potential, were evaluated using the current–voltage curve using a Langmuir probe. The effect of microwave power coupling to the plasma was studied by varying the microwave power. It was observed that the optimum coupling to the plasma was obtained for ~ 600 W microwave power with an average electron density of ~ 6 × 10¹¹ cm^???3 and average electron temperature of ~ 9 eV.     

Spectrum of calcium-like copper Cu X

A copper spectrum has been excited in a vacuum spark and recorded in the range from 80 to 200 Å on high-resolution vacuum spectrographs. The 3d ²?(3d4p + 3d4f + 4p ⁵4d ³) transitions in the spectrum of ninetimes ionized copper (Cu X) have been investigated. Atomic calculations by the Hartree-Fock method with semiempirical correction made it possible to identify 64 new spectral lines. The energies of the corresponding levels are determined.     

Change of phonon dispersion curves due to interstitials in Al

An experimental investigation of the profiles of the 4471 Å and 4922 Å lines in the afterglow of an high density plasma of helium produced by laser is reported. The measured profiles of these two neutral helium lines and their forbidden components are given at electron densities between 5 · 10¹⁶ cm^?3 and 2 · 10¹⁷ cm^?3 and for electron temperature between 3 and 4 eV.     

Equation of state and thermal expansivity of LiF and NaF

The high-pressure and high-temperature behaviors of LiF and NaF have been studied up to 37 GPa and 1000 K. No phase transformations have been observed for LiF up to the maximum pressure reached. The B1 to B2 transition of NaF at room temperature was observed at ～28 GPa, this transition pressure decreases with temperature. Unit-cell volumes of LiF and NaF B1 phase measured at various pressures and temperatures were fitted using a P–V–T Birch–Murnaghan equation of state. For LiF, the determined parameters are: α₀ = 1.05 (3)×10^?4 K^?1, dK/dT = ?0.025 (2) GPa/K, V ₀ = 65.7 (1) Å³, K ₀ = 73 (2) GPa, and K′ = 3.9 (2). For NaF, α₀ = 1.34 (4)×10^?4 K^?1, dK/dT = ?0.020 (1) GPa/K, V ₀ = 100.2 (2) Å³, K ₀ = 46 (1) GPa, and K′ = 4.5 (1).     

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     

Effects of ambient pressure on Cu Kα X-ray radiation with millijoule and high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser

Hard Cu Kα X-ray radiation was generated with a millijoule and high-repetition-rate Ti: sapphire laser in air, helium or vacuum (2.7–1.3×10⁴ Pa) ambient. The characteristic X-ray was obtained by focusing the 0.06–1.46 mJ/pulse, 100 fs, 1 kHz repetition femtosecond laser onto a solid copper target to a spot 4.8 μm in diameter. The relationship between Kα X-ray conversion efficiency and atmospheric conditions was explained with a simple electron collision model that suggested that the electron mean free path is an important parameter in the generation of ultrafast pulsed X-rays in any ambient condition. We also demonstrated a high-intensity X-ray source working in helium at atmospheric pressure.     

The impact of the Ramsauer effect on the frequency of elastic collisions in inductive RF discharges in inert gases

This paper presents the results of investigating the power absorption mechanism of an inductive RF discharge plasma. Dependences of the frequency of elastic electron collisions with inert gas atoms (helium, neon, argon, and krypton) on the pressure are given. In the frequency range of 3 × 10⁶–3 × 10⁷ s^?1, an equivalent plasma resistance and the power input into the plasma are determined by the values of collision frequency and electron density within a skin layer and do not depend on the type of gas within the limits of experimental error. Upon reaching the electron temperature of ～1 eV, the energy of the main part of electrons lies in the range of Ramsauer’s minimum for elastic cross section. This leads to a decreasing elastic-collision frequency in heavy inert gases as compared to helium.     

Extreme-ultraviolet emissivity from Xe<Superscript>8+</Superscript> to Xe<Superscript>12+</Superscript> by using a detailed line-by-line method

A theoretical model has been developed to calculate the emissivity of low densityxenon plasmas (from Xe⁸⁺ to Xe¹²⁺) by employing a detailed lineaccounting formalism. A complete set of atomic datasuch as transition probabilities for electric (magnetic) dipoleand quadruple E1, E2, M1 and M2 and electron impact excitationcollision strength, which is accurate to fine-structure level,was calculated using a full configuration interaction formalismand was used to solve the rate equation which determines thepopulation of different levels. Detailed results are given forpure Xe¹⁰⁺ ion, which is essential for extreme-ultravioletemission at 13.5 nm, and for low density plasmas (the electron densitywas taken to be 10¹² cm^-3) at temperatures of 30, 45, 55, 65and 75 eV. The fraction of different ionization stages was obtained by acompletely coupled rate equation from neutral atom to Xe²⁰⁺ by usinga detailed configuration accounting method. The results show that theemissivity of the dipole forbidden lines of transition array4s ²4p ⁶4d ⁷5s \(\rightarrow\) 4s ²4p ⁶4d ⁸ of Xe¹⁰⁺is very sensitive to the temperature, which should be a useful tool todiagnose the temperature in EBIT plasmas.     

Raman spectroscopy of melamine‐formaldehyde resin microparticles exposed to processing in complex plasma

We explore the characterization of melamine formaldehyde resin (MF‐R) micron‐sized particles, immersed in argon, neon and argon–oxygen plasmas, using Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that plasma treatment of MF‐R results in modification of its chemical composition. Particularly, a decrease in the intensities of the Raman scattering bands, corresponding to both formaldehyde C―H and melamine C―N and N―H bonds, is observed. The band at 980–990 cm⁻¹, associated with breathing vibrations of the triazine rings, undergoes the most significant changes, and the greatest modifications of the spectra are observed after exposure to Ar and Ar–O₂ plasma, whilst for the MF‐R particles exposed to Ne plasma these modifications are less pronounced. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.