Rate Equation Modeling of a Low Pressure rf Argon Glow Discharge

A Laser Optogalvanic (LOG) study of the lowest metasable and resonance levels (1s sub 5 and 1s sub 4) in a low power inductively coupled argon rf glow discharge showed anomalous signs and time dependences. Laser absorption measurements yielding absolute densities of all 4 states in the 1s manifold have now been carried out at pressures from 0.1 to 1 torr.