The Continuous Spectrum of the One Atmosphere Argon Arc in the 2700-5000 A Spectral Range,

The emission coefficient, Episilon, of the continuous spectrum which is emitted from a one atmosphere argon arc was measured as a function of temperature, T, and frequency, Upsilon, in connection with which an analytical representation results for Epsilon which is good for plasma-diagnostic purposes. Moreover, variations in the continuous emission coefficients are shown from the expectations of the Maecker-Peters model in the sense that first, the charge slope of the various series limit continua are smeared to the point of being unrecognizable and that second, electron transitions to higher electron levels which are only from 0.6 to 1 eV below the ionization threshold, greater amounts of which lead to continuous emissions. Author