The optimum characteristics of a halogen lamp pumped by transverse RF discharge

Abstract

We report on the optimized characteristics of a small-size bactericidal lamp pumped by transverse RF (f=1.76 MHz) discharge, operating on a system of the molecular emission bands of chlorine in a wavelength range of 195–310 nm. The spectral characteristics of the plasma emission were measured and the intensity of chlorine emission bands were studied as functions of the total pressure and partial composition of a helium-chlorine mixture. Oscillograms of the pumping current and output radiation intensity were measured and the total output radiation power was determined. It is established that the lamp radiates predominantly in a bactericidal wavelength interval on an electron-vibrational transition at 200 nm in Cl2** molecules. The optimum partial pressures of helium and chlorine are 100–300 and 90–120 Pa, respectively. The maximum output power of UV emission from the side cylindrical surface of the lamp reached 10 W. The lamp can be used in photochemistry, ecology, genetics, and medicine.