The positive column of low-pressure Hg/Ne and Hg/Ne/Ar discharges

Abstract

The electron density at the axis, the electron temperature and the electric field strength of the positive column of low-pressure Hg/Ne discharges have been measured using electrostatic probes. The measurements have been carried out for discharge currents between 0·1 and 0·8 A, noble gas pressures between 0·3 and 10 Torr, tube wall temperatures in the range of 13-70°C, and an inner tube radius of 18 mm. The addition of argon to neon as a filling gas has also been studied.