Abstract
A collisional radiative model is used to obtain the number densities of the ground level and of the excited levels of neutral argon as a function of the local ne and Te values. This model is first applied to a homogeneous and stationary medium for 5000Keg in a non-LTE discharge are determined. The C-R model is then applied to the positive column of a stationary argon arc. The ambipolar flux of electrons is evaluated and compared to the net rate of electron production.