On the peak-like light induced galvanic responses in a hollow cathode discharge

Abstract

The specific behaviour of optogalvanic and photo-emission optogalvanic effects in Ne/As and Ar/Cd hollow cathode discharges are observed and analyzed. Light induced peak-like responses are detected in the negative resistance region of the current-voltage ( i- V) curve simultaneously with phase instability and increased level of noise fluctuations. The energy exchange between the sputtered atoms and the buffer gas atoms is discussed as a probable process forming the i- V curve peculiarities, which initiate the peak-like responses.