As in the preceding reports, the effect of irradiation in raising the starting potential on a low pressure Ar-Hg discharge tubes has been studied experimentally.
This effect of irradiation is quenched completely by adding a small amount of H
2 gas, which is expected to destroy metastable atoms of Hg.
This effect depends strongly on the Ar pressure and electron emission of the cathode. Without Ar, Hg discharge tube is very sensitive to λ 2537 radiation in lowering the starting potential.
It seems that the destruction of metastable mercury molecules by irradiation is occuring and that these metastables are important for starting just as they are important for the function of the low current discharge in Hg-rare gas mixtures.
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