Selective Observation of Species in High-Voltage Spark Discharges Based on Transient Magnetic Field Perturbation

Abstract

The behavior of an analytical spark discharge in a pulsed external magnetic field is described. Time-resolved spectroscopic data indicate the spatial isolation of ionic species. Time-integrated, spatially resolved data further demonstrate that the region of maximum emission intensity (for ionic species) is shifted 1100 μm, with respect to the interelectrode axis, when the magnetic field is energized. Emissions from neutral species are influenced to a lesser extent.