ABSORPTION SPECTRUM OF THE NITROGEN AFTERGLOW IN THE VACUUM ULTRAVIOLET REGION

Abstract

Using the argon continuum as a background, the absorption spectrum of the nitrogen afterglow was studied in the vacuum region. The line spectra of atomic nitrogen appeared fairly strongly and no other absorption was observable except the weak Lyman-Birge-Hopfield bands of $N_{2}$. Absorption measurements on the NI lines at 1200A indicated the concentration of atomic nitrogen in the glow to be roughly about one percent of the total pressure.