Spectra Emitted from Solid Nitrogen Condensed at Very Low Temperatures from a Gas Discharge

Abstract

Solid products from electrical discharges containing nitrogen emit visible light at temperatures below 40°K. The observed spectra depend greatly upon (1) the temperature at which the discharge products are condensed, (2) the rate of deposition of the gas, (3) the addition of small amounts of impurities, and (4) the addition of large amounts of inert gases. A detailed survey of the effect of these parameters is presented, in order to understand better the mechanisms responsible for the various types of radiation which are observed.