74 nm radiative efficiency of a DC neon glow discharge

Radiative efficiency of resonance line emission of a de glow discharge plas ma is derived from experimentally determined profiles of atoms in resonant states. Spatial density profiles were determined by diode laser atomic abso rption spectroscopy and laser induced fluorescence. Absorption measurements were used for absolute calibration. The influence of the shape of spatial density profiles was considered. Investigations show that power dissipation by resonance radiation transport remains nearly constant for the currents investigated (i = 1...20mA). Total power loss due to resonance radiation wa s found to be about 25% of electrical power input.