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Title: Electron impact excitation and uv emission in the Franck--Hertz experiment

Journal Article · · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.13123· OSTI ID:5603693

With the Franck--Hertz experiment described here the inelastic collision of electrons with mercury atoms and the ultraviolet emission of the excited atoms can be observed simultaneously. The Franck--Hertz tube is a four electrode tube with a concentric system and a quartz window. An electron current stabilization allows the observation of a stepwise increase in light intensity by means of a photomultiplier. The emission spectrum shows the Hg 2536-A line and two molecular emission bands arising from Hg dimer and trimer transitions. The light emission from the trimer state reveals the influence of geometrical factors of the tube at different accelerating potentials.

Research Organization:
I. Physikalisches Institut der Universitaet zu Koeln, 5 Koeln 41, Zuelpicher Strasse 77, West Germany
OSTI ID:
5603693
Journal Information:
Am. J. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 51:9
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English