A Critical Evaluation of Fabrication Details and Operating Conditions Influencing Microwave-Excited Electrodeless Discharge Lamps

Abstract

Results are presented for a detailed study of how the fabrication and excitation conditions influence the optical performance of microwave-excited electrodeless discharge lamps. The shape of the lamp is shown to be a critical parameter. The proper choice of experimental conditions yields a source which is up to 2000 times more intense, has a signal/noise ratio 50 times greater, and has a greater spectral overlap with the absorption line than a conventional hollow cathode discharge lamp. Analytical data are presented, and the improvement in sensitivity is shown to be appreciable.