Electron/ion recombination in hydrogen spark discharges

Abstract

The afterglows following short sparks in hydrogen at a pressure of one atmosphere have been described in earlier publications. The present communication presents later results and a detailed analysis of the afterglows. It is shown that an electron/ion recombination process is apparently the cause of the light emitted in the afterglow. On this basis the appropriate coefficient of recombination has been calculated. The implications of the results, and relevant literature, are discussed.