Time-resolved spectroscopy of the electrode region in a fluorescent lamp

In this paper, the ongoing spectroscopic investigations of the plasma inside a fluorescent lamp at Lund Observatory is presented. The intensity of the spectral lines of neutral and singly ionized mercury and krypton in the electrode region in a fluorescent lamp are investigated, both as a function of current through the tube and time resolved during an AC cycle. The results show different dynamics for different spectral lines, which may be due to different population mechanisms and transport phenomena in the discharge. To correctly interpret the data, a model for the electrode region is necessary; however, for this purpose information on processes like electron collision cross-sections, Penning ionization rates, and recombination rates are needed. (author)