Abstract

The mathematical theories which are applicable to the excitation and ionization of atoms in plasmas at thermal equilibrium are described. These processes are controlled by the temperature and electron density in the plasma; some methods of determining these parameters are given. There have been several measurements of arc and spark temperatures in air, but few determinations of electron densities or of temperatures in gases other than air. It is shown that, even with the limited data available, the theories can be applied to practical problems which arise in spectrochemical analysis.

Excitation Temperature in Time-Resolved Spectra of Single Condensed Spark Discharges*

Leon Blitzer and Willoughby M. Cady
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The Arc and Spark Spectra of Gadolinium

Henry Norris Russell
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 40(9) 550-575 (1950)

A Combination Arc-Spark Source for Magnesium Analysis*

V. J. Caldecourt and J. L. Saunderson
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 36(2) 99-102 (1946)

Vacuum Ultraviolet Plasma Arc Radiation Source for the 300–1000-A Wavelength Region

M. E. Levy and R. E. Huffman
Appl. Opt. 9(1) 41-47 (1970)

Spatial and temporal evolution of argon sparks

Sivanandan S. Harilal
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