On electric and optic-radiation properties of a double layer formed in a collisional plasma

A plasma double layer appearing in the transition region between two independent negative glows was studied. The electrical field distribution and optical properties of the plasma double layer were measured. Relative intensities of spectrum lines and the integral light emission were determined. The role of the inelastic processes in the formation of the plasma double layer and the origin of the positive Ar ions in the positive part of the double layer are discussed. The ionization process continues in an oscillating mode when the potential is about the ionization potential of the working gas, thus the double layer becomes periodically movable. (D.Gy.)