Studies of continuum radiation from nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide plasmas in the vacuum ultraviolet region

The spectral distribution of the radiation intensities of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide plasmas have been measured at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 10,000–13,000 K within the spectral range 110–250 nm. Analysis of our results and literature data shows a continuum produced by the formation of negative ions and the importance of photoattachment in the total radiation intensities of nitrogen and oxygen plasmas. Photodetachment cross sections of N - and O - have been determined. Calculations were made on the assumption of LTE in the plasma. The applicability of this assumption under the conditions of the experiments is discussed.