Strong Tl–Hg band emission at 4590 and 6560 Å via electron beam initiated discharges in TlI and Hg mixtures

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Abstract
Very strong Tl–Hg excimer band emission at 4590 (B 2Σ1/2–X1/2) and 6560 Å (B 2Σ1/2–X3/2) has been observed from stable glow discharges produced in TlI and Hg mixtures via a 20 nsec electron beam pulse. Hg densities up to 5×1019/cm3 and peak TlI densities of 1017/cm3 were used at a maximum operating temperatures of 550°C. Peak power loading of 34 kW/cm3 at 7 A/cm2 and E/N values up to 3×10−16 V⋅ cm2 have been achieved in a 60 cm3 active volume. The discharges are much more stable and repeatable than similar discharges in TlI and Xe mixtures. The Tl–Hg band emission totally dominates the spectrum that also exhibits Tl and Hg atomic emission plus weaker HgI (B 2Σ1/2–X1/2) emission at 4430 Å. A plausible kinetic model for the dominant processes is presented and the potential of this systme as a TlHg laser at 4590 and 6560 Å are discussed.