Pressure broadening of argon lines emitted by a high-pressure microwave discharge (Surfatron)

Abstract

Reports on measurements of the shift and width of emission profiles of neutral argon lines (3p54p-3p54s transitions) produced in a high-pressure plasma (pressure range 1-2.5 atm) sustained by surface microwave propagation (Surfatron). Broadening and shifts were measured at different gas temperatures (1900-2600 K). The results are compared with theoretical calculations involving the long-range part of the interaction potential (van der Waals and resonant) and with the Lennard-Jones potential. Particular attention is given to the influence of the gas temperature.