OBSERVATION OF RELATIVE POPULATION-CHANGE IN THE P-3(0) AND P-3(2) STATES FOR AR GLOW-DISCHARGE FORMATION

The formation ratio of the two spin-orbit states, P-3(0)/P-3(2), of th e metastable argon, Ar, was investigated by the glow discharge of a p ulsed Ar supersonic beam. The P-3(0)/P-3(2) ratio decreased with the i ncrease of the glow discharge potential V-g, by which the electron bom bardment initiates the discharge. The observed V-g-dependence clearly showed an inverse behavior against V-g as compared with that in the co nventional electron impact by low beam densities.