Novel laser diagnostic for mercury rare gas low pressure discharges

Knowledge of the Hg(3P1) spatial distribution in Hg rare gas low pressure discharges is important for understanding radiation transport, and aids in the formulation of discharge models for fluorescent lamps. We report on a novel single laser, two intersecting beams technique, which, for the first time, yields pinpoint information on the radial density profile of excited state mercury in the discharge positive column. Advantages over conventional single beam absorption are discussed, and preliminary data for a discharge containing one isotope (198Hg) of mercury and 2.5 Torr argon are presented.