Measured and calculated Cs excited-state densities in Cs–Ar low-pressure discharges

Radial distributions of the 62P excited-state density of Cs in low-pressure Cs–Ar discharges have been measured by means of absorption from a continuum in the 876.1- and 917.2-nm lines of Cs. The variation of the excited-state densities with the discharge current has also been studied. The experimental data are compared with results of calculations based on a model of the positive column of the Cs–Ar discharge in which radiation trapping is taken into account.