Rare Gas Light Sources for the Vacuum Ultraviolet

Abstract

Microwave-excited emission continua in rare gas (Xe, Kr, Ar) discharges have been investigated with respect to their suitability for photoelectric and photographic detection, order separation, and production of wavelength standards in the vacuum ultraviolet. A differential pumping system for use with the argon emission continuum has been developed. Absorption spectra of the following molecules are included here as examples of the usefulness of these radiation sources: O2, N2, CO2, C2H2, H2, and CO.