Optogalvanic investigations in the cathodic region of a neon glow discharge

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Abstract
We report on an investigation of the optogalvanic effect in the cathodic region of a glow discharge. Analysis of the spatial behavior of the fluorescence intensity enabled us to obtain detailed information on the laser-unperturbed discharge. A description of the discharge maintenance mechanisms through the secondary electron emission from the cathodic surface by the impact of ions, metastable atoms, and VUV photons has been used to describe the current-voltage tube discharge characteristics. The laser-induced perturbation of the secondary emission has been understood as the main mechanism responsible for optogalvanic production in our discharge configuration.