Wide-band radiation dynamics in rare gases using ion- and electron beam pumping

Abstract

The results of an experimental study on the temporal evolution of molecular-ion continua of rare gases using electron- and ion beam pumping are presented. The temporal evolution of radiation bands, which make up the molecular-ion continuum (MIC) has been measured. A hypothesis for a relaxation cascade of excitation energy transfer from doubly charged ions (Rg ++ n ) to singly charged ions (Rg + n ) has been analyzed. Results obtained using electron-beam pumping and a comparison with data obtained by other pumping methods allows us to draw the conclusion that for MIC in rare gases, the local maxima's wavelengths do practically not depend on pumping power and pumping method. The ratio of intensities in different maxima during plasma relaxation, however, and the behavior of each maximum with respect to pressure variations do depend on specific excitation power.