Abstract
A simulation model which describes the time-dependent behavior of the positive column of a low-pressure mercury-rare gas discharge was developed.
Excitation processes of Hg 61P1 level was analysed by comparing afterglow characteristics of the observed discharge with those of an elementary model. A stepwise excitations from Hg 63P levels were shown to be dominant processes, and were introduced into the model.
From the experimental analyses, the electron energy distribution function was proved to be non-Maxwellian in the discharge under consideration. In the model calculation, the distribution function was approximated with a two-temperature representation.
Relative intensities of the Hg 254 nm and 185 nm radiations from a 24 mm diameter tube were measured for coldest spot temperatures between 20 and 60°C. There was a good agreement between the measurement and the calculation for the 254 nm radiation. The calculated 185 nm radiation power was found to be larger than the observed results at the low mercury pressure end.
