Power loss by resonance radiation from a dc neon glow discharge at low pressures and low currents

Radiative efficiency of emission of resonance radiation from a dc glow discharge plasma is derived experimentally from spatial density profiles of atoms in resonant states. Density profiles are determined by tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Resonance radiation transport is considered both by Lawler and Curry's analytical formula (Lawler J E and Curry J J 1998 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 31 3225) and by Monte Carlo simulations. Radial dependences of the escape factor are studied. Power loss by resonance radiation is found to be about 50% of electrical power input. The impact of resonance radiation on similarity laws in discharge physics is discussed.