Effect of Addition of Hydrogen to the Argon Sheath of a Unidirectional, High-Voltage Spark

Abstract

Changes in the spectrum of copper alloys excited with a unidirectional spark discharge in argon are noted when hydrogen is added to the system. Systematic enhancement in erosion of copper, but not of copper in brass or in Muntz metal, is observed. Argon spectra are also perturbed, with some cascades originating near the Ar I ionization limit enhanced while other, nearly isoenergetic, cascades terminating in the Ar I metastable levels are suppressed. Ar II emission is also enhanced in the presence of H2. Both electrode surface chemistry and plasma chemistry are affected by the hydrogen addition.