Knowledge Bank

Rydberg-Rydberg transitions in hollow cathode discharges through pure Xenon and Krypton gases have been observed using an F-center laser. Signals of both positive and negative polarities are seen and can be explained in terms of laser induced effects on the steady state ionization processes occurring in the discharge. Optogalvanic signals are also observed in the $3650-3780cm-1$ region in a low current discharge in pure $CO2$ using the F-center laser. Work is currently under way to identify this spectrum. Transitions in the visible region have been observed in an rf discharge in $CH2CO$ but are apparently not due to $CH2$. Current investigations are directed at attempts detect other free radicals in rf or dc discharges using tunable IR and dye lasers and optogalvanic detection. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation under grant CHE-8111131.