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

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.13123· OSTI ID:5603693

Buhr, W; Klein, W; Pressler, S

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), Journal Name: Am. J. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 51:9; ISSN AJPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640304* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOM COLLISIONS
COLLISIONS
DESIGN
DIMERS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRODES
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRON TUBES
ELECTRON-ATOM COLLISIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITATION
MERCURY
METALS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYMERS
SPECTRA
TRIODE TUBES
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA