Electron Density and Excitation Temperature in an Iron Hollow Cathode Lamp

Abstract

Electron densities and excitation or spectroscopic temperatures have been determined for an iron hollow cathode lamp containing Ar/N2 and Ne/N2 fill gas mixtures. The responses of both properties to current, total fill gas pressure and N2 partial pressures were monitored. Responses to variations in pressure and fill gas composition appear to demonstrate more than one mechanism for both excitation and current transport. Electron density is compared to literature values and found to be similar. Excitation temperatures are compared to previous work done in our laboratory and found to demonstrate the same trend.