Influence of Irradiation on the Characteristic of a Glow Discharge in Pure Rare Gases

Abstract

Irradiation of the positive column of a glow discharge in pure rare gases by the radiation from a second discharge tube filled with the same gas influences the $V\ensuremath{-}I$ characteristic of the irradiated glow discharge, shifting it to a higher voltage for the same current. The effect arises from the reduction of the concentration of metastable atoms by absorption. In the case of helium the effect could be studied separately for the two mainly absorbed lines 10 830A and 20 581A. Practically the whole effect is caused by the latter. This result can be understood by considering the possible transitions involved.