A pulsed laser study of the optogalvanic effect in a neon glow discharge

Author

Glenn Harman

Date of Award

8-1989

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Major Professor

Robert DeSerio

Committee Members

Selou Georghiou, Robert W. Lide

Abstract

The optogalvanic effect in a neon glow discharge has been studied. Time-resolved voltage changes in the discharge induced by a 500 ps pulsed dye system were observed. The energy per laser pulse was varied from 20 - 150 μJ. The discharge current was varied from 0.2 - 1.5 mA at neon pressures of 4 and 20 torr. All dipole-allowed 1s²2s²2p⁵3s - 1s²2s²2p⁵3p transitions in the 585 - 700 nm wavelength range were observed. The signals observed were from all four levels ¹P₁, ³P_0,1,2 of the first excited configuration. The largest signals came from the metastable ³P₀ and ³P₂ states demonstrating that they are important in the discharge. Those involving the ¹P₁ state show possible indications of inverted populations. Time-resolved signals from transitions involving the ³P₁ states are presented for the first time. Their shapes may indicate a more dominant role in the ionization process for this ground state coupled state than has previously been suggested.

Recommended Citation

Harman, Glenn, "A pulsed laser study of the optogalvanic effect in a neon glow discharge. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1989.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/12962