Optogalvanic spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract Applications of optogalvanic spectroscopy developed since the resurgence of interest in optogalvanic detection are reviewed. The optogalvanic effect is a change in the electrical properties of a discharge caused by illuminating the discharge with radiation having a wavelength corresponding to an atomic or molecular transition in the discharge. The general scheme of optogalvanic spectroscopy is presented, followed by a discussion of the gas discharge physics of the optogalvanic effect. Applications of optogalvanic detection in moderate resolution spectroscopy, in Doppler-free spectroscopy, and in analytic studies are discussed.