High resolution and Doppler-limited laser investigation of atomic oxygen production in O2–noble gases radio-frequency discharges

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Abstract
The result of a Doppler‐limited and sub‐Doppler optical laser spectroscopic investigation of atomic oxygen is presented. Atomic oxygen is produced in a O2–noble gas radio‐frequency discharge of moderate power. The analysis of the atoms produced is performed by monitoring both fluorescence and the optogalvanic signal for oxygen optical transitions between highly excited levels. Doppler broadening measurements illustrate a nonequilibrium thermal distribution selective on the spin value and on the gas used to sustain the discharge. A simple model based on energy transfer processes is proposed to explain the observed phenomena.