Analysis of XeC1 Emission in a Hollow Cathode Discharge.
Abstract
This work investigates the characteristics of a hollow cathode discharge containing neon, xenon, and hydrogen chloride gases. The line intensity of the XeC1 excimer spontaneous emission (308 nm) is measured as a function of excitation current and the partial pressures of Xe and HC1. The hollow cathode, operating with constant discharge current, produces relatively intense XeC1 emission and provides a stable discharge, in spite of the presence of the electronegative C1 ions. Measurements were made for total pressures of 4, 2, and 1 torr, 0, 2, 4, and 8 percent HC1, and mixes of Ne/Xe from 100% Ne to 100% Xe. The hollow cathode provides a unique discharge characteristic by providing both 200 - 400 ev beam like electrons and high densities 10 to the 12th power/cucm of low energy (700 K) electrons. A simple model is developed for the hollow cathode discharge by assuming the electrons are only in these two energy groups. This model is coupled with the dominant chemical processes and is used to explain the behavior of the discharge with direct current excitation. The results of both analysis and measurements show the XeC1 emission to be proportional to Xe concentration, HC1 concentration, and discharge current. These results indicate that the primary formation process of the XeC1 excimer in the hollow cathode is due to the combination of Xe and C1 ions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103348
Entities
People
- George A. Vogel
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology