Argon transition probabilities revisited

Abstract

In a paper by P. Baessler and M. Kock (J. Phys. B, vol.13, p.1351, 1980), a 2 lambda interferometric technique is used to determine the electron number density, n/sub e/, in a pure argon plasma generated in a wall stabilized arc. Hydrogen is then added to obtain the reduced linewidth of the Balmer line H/sub beta /. Baessler and Kock then use an electron density correction factor to correct the transition probabilities obtained from experiments using hydrogen for n/sub e/ determination. Their result neglects the temperature change due to the modification to the electron density. The present author has shown that their correction factor is invalid and results in transition probability corrections that are in error by 30-200%.<>