Optimization of mercury vapour pressure for high-frequency electrodeless light sources

Radiation qualities of mercury high-frequency electrodeless light sources ( HFELSs) of natural and 202 isotope abundance of 99.8% have been studied in order to optimize filling and operation of the source. The optimal mercury vapour pressure in a high-frequency electrodeless inductive coupled dischar ge is estimated. A qualitative explanation of the excitation and ionization processes is given. An application of nonlinear multiparameter chi-square line shape fitting in order to find the true profile of spectral lines and equipment influence is presented. We demonstrate that, by appropriate selec tion of both the HF-oscillator working mode and Hg vapour pressure, it is p ossible to change the intensity and profile of the spectral lines quickly, making the use of the mercury HFELSs in various applications possible.