Electric field measurement in the cathode fall region of a glow discharge in helium

Abstract

Spatial distribution of electric field strength in the cathode fall region of an analytical glow discharge in helium and helium-hydrogen mixture is determined from the Stark splitting and shifting of three visible helium lines and their forbidden components. For this diagnostic technique the basic theory is outlined. The results in gas mixture agree well with electric fields determined from the shape of Hβ line.