Shapes of atomic-hydrogen lines produced at a cathode surface

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.37.194· OSTI ID:5513317

Ayers, E L; Benesch, W

The observation of extraordinarily wide wings on the spectrum lines of atomic hydrogen in emission at the cathode surface of an electric discharge is described. Actual line shapes in pure hydrogen manifest an articulation which divides the spectrum line into three distinct regions, each arising from a separate mechanism. Several novel discharge-source configurations have been developed in preceding experimentation, these falling into the general category of hollow cathodes. Three critical experiments have been performed to elucidate the process which gives rise to the extended far wings of the hydrogen lines and to determine their physical point of origin. Ultimately, it is concluded that the cathode surface itself is essential to the mechanism for producing the extreme velocities of the excited atoms which account for the distant extended wings.

• Research Organization: Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
• OSTI ID: 5513317
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 37:1; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640302* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Atomic & Molecular Properties & Theory
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOMS
BALMER LINES
CATHODES
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CORRELATIONS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
HOLLOW CATHODES
HYDROGEN
KINETICS
LINE WIDTHS
NONMETALS
REACTION KINETICS
SPECTRA
VELOCITY