Spectroscopic application of an iterative kinetic model of the cathode-fall region in a hydrogen abnormal glow discharge

We present an iterative kinetic model of the cathode-fall (CF) region in a hydrogen abnormal glow discharge, providing efficient calculations of electric field spatial distribution and distribution functions of H atoms and H⁺, H₂⁺ and H₃⁺ ions. The model is very convenient for spectroscopic applications because the knowledge of these distributions enables calculation of virtually all spectroscopic quantities of interest, which is illustrated here by comparison of model predictions and experimental electric field distribution, and hydrogen Balmer beta line shapes recorded end-on and side-on for various positions along the CF region of the discharge. (fast track communication)