Excitation of hydrogen fluorescence through near resonant energy transfer from argon

The γ' = 3, γ'' Lyman band progression from argon sensitized fluorescence of H2 has been studied over a hydrogen pressure range of 1-14000 Pa. Transitions of the type H2(X1Σsub(g)+,γ''=0, J'') + Ar(3P1) → H2(B1Σsub(u)+, γ'=3, J'=0-4) + Ar + ΔE, were observed. Intensity measurements generally confirm Fink et al's observations. In addition, however, results show that H atoms are produced over the entire pressure range by a very minor process which is coincident with the production of H2(B1Σsub(u)+). The ratio of the rate constant for the channel leading to H2(B1Σsub(u)+,γ', J') relative to that for H atom formation is roughly estimated to be approximately 107. (Auth.)