Cd–Ne direct current glow discharge: An efficient source of ultraviolet radiation

This investigation aims to present data of a potential light source based on Cd. Recent study of cadmium–neon direct current glow discharge at low and intermediate pressure showed that a significant fraction (∼80%) of the input power delivered to the plasma can be converted into resonance radiation, which leads us to conclusion that Cd can be an efficient light source, even more efficient than Hg. The conventional fluorescent lamps contain Hg, but environmental concerns urge for mercury-free light sources. The ultraviolet radiation from Cd(5p1P1) and Cd(5p3P1) resonance states has been investigated and the optimum discharge conditions of a potential light source are determined. At optimum discharge conditions 80%–87% of the input power is converted into resonance radiation.