External magnetic field influence on H<inf>α</inf> line in abnormal glow discharge

Abstract

Influence of the external axial magnetic field on the hydrogen Hα line profiles in an abnormal glow discharge has been studied. It has been found that the applied magnetic field predominantly increases the intensity of central component of the characteristic excessively broadened Hα profile. Magnetic filed causes helical motion of electrons along the electric field lines and prolongs their trajectories increasing the number of collisions with matrix gas. This explains the increase of the central component of Hα profile and can be regarded as an experimental proof for the main contribution of electron excitation to that part of the profile. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.