The Time Interval Between the Appearance of Spectrum Lines in Spark and in Condensed Discharges

Abstract

The experimental method consisted essentially in a comparison of the time interval elapsing between the appearance of two spectrum lines with the time required for light to travel a measured distance. The time intervals between the appearance of the bright visible spectrum lines of cadmium, magnesium and zinc in the spark in air and nitrogen and hydrogen in condensed discharges at various pressures were measured. The results indicate that the time between the appearance of these lines is due to atomic phenomena, and emphasize the importance of the final energy levels as well as the initial energy levels in determining the average time between excitation and the beginning of emission.