Experimental Stark broadening studies of the CI transition 3s 1 P 1o − 3p 1 S 0 at 833.5 nm

Abstract Experimental Stark broadening studies of the infrared CI transition 3s 1 P 1o − 3p 1 S 0 at 833.5 nm are reported for the first time. A high-current wall-stabilized arc, operated in a mixture of helium, argon, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, was applied as the plasma source. Radiation emitted from homogeneous and optically thin plasma layers was analyzed. Stark broadening studies of the selected CI transition and the hydrogen Balmer β line were performed. As expected from theoretical considerations, the CI line width depends linearly on the electron density of the plasma. Applying theoretical Stark broadening data for the Hgb line, the measured Stark widths of the CI line were calibrated for the purpose of electron density determination in low temperature plasmas.