Effect of low-voltage spark discharge parameters on the spectral line intensities of sulfur and halogens

Abstract

The influence of various circuit parameters on the spectral line intensities of sulfur and the halogens when excited in a low-voltage spark discharge have been investigated. The intensities were maximum for a discharge current of 6–8 A and a 1.0–1.5 mm spark gap. In ac spark discharges the maximum intensities occurred with capacitances of 20–50μF and an inductance of 15μH for primary circuit resistance of 200 ohm, and with 50–100μF and 30–60μH for 400 ohm. The intensities attained with dc sparks were higher than those with ac sparks. The intensity increased if the specimen served as the cathode and, in this case, occurred with capacitances of 100–800μF and inductances of 30–60μH for an ignition frequency of 12 sec⁻¹.