Ion contribution to the Ne I spectral lines broadening

Abstract

On the basis of the observed asymmetry of 26 Ne I spectral line profiles (in the 3s-3p and 3p-4d transitions) we have obtained their ion broadening parameters (A) caused by influence of ion microfield to the line broadening mechanism. They are the first A data obtained experimentally in the NeI spectrum and 16 from them are the first data in this field. The linear, low-pressure, pulsed arc has been used as a plasma source operated in neon at 33 000 and 36 500 K electron temperatures and 6.7 × 1022 and 8.8 × 1022 m-3 electron densities. Our A values have been compared to the unique theoretical ones and very high disagreement was found among them. We have found stronger influence of the ion contribution to the Ne I line profiles than the semiclassical theoretical approximation provides. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.