The Spectrum of the Positive Rays (Canal-Strahlen)

Abstract

IN former publications (Ann. d. Phys., vol. xiv., p. 524, 1904; vol. xvi., p. 490, 1905; “Die Elektrizität in Gasen,” Leipzig, 1902, pp. 446, 457) I have expressed the opinion that the carrier of the line spectrum of a chemical element is the positive atom-ion, while, on the other hand, the band spectrum is due to the re-combination of positive atom-ions with negative electrons. From this it would follow that the particles of the positive rays (being positive atom-ions) should emit the line spectrum of the gas in which they are produced. Moreover, since these particles possess a considerable velocity, their spectrum lines, observed in the direction of the rays, should have a position and breadth differing from the position and breadth when the lines are observed in a direction normal to the rays. Again, since the positive rays ionise the gas traversed by them, re-combination of positive and negative ions must take place in their path; the gas traversed by the positive rays must therefore emit the band spectrum, which will be superposed on the line spectrum due to the positive rays themselves. The lines of the band spectrum must have the same position whether they are observed in the direction of the positive rays or in a direction at right angles to them, inasmuch as their carriers do not possess the velocity of the positive rays.