A Pulsed-Periodic, Low-Pressure Volume Discharge in Chlorine and in a Xenon/Chlorine Mixture

Abstract

The electrical and optical characteristics of a self-initiated, low-pressure, pulsed-periodic discharge in chlorine and in a xenon/chlorine mixture are investigated. A volume discharge not bounded by dielectric walls was triggered in a spherical anode–plane cathode system of electrodes on supply of a constant positive-polarity voltage to the anode. The discharge existed in the form of a unit domain. The spatial, spectral (in the range 150–350 nm), and time characteristics (voltage, current, and photocurrent of total radiation of plasma in the spectral range 200–700 nm) of the volume discharge are investigated. Optimization of the pressure and of the structure of the working medium is carried out to obtain the maximum brightness of UV–VUV radiation of the bands of the Cl2(D′–A′), Cl2**, and XeCl(D, B–X) molecules. The results obtained are of interest for being used in a pulsed-periodic, excimer-halogen low-pressure lamp.