Formation of an ultraviolet radiation pulse in a surfacedischarge plasma by the front of an electromagnetic shock wave

An investigation was made of the optical characteristics of a surface-discharge plasma emitting ultraviolet radiation which could be used to preionize gas mixtures in molecular TEA lasers. Experimental results and a qualitative theoretical model of the discharge, based on the nonlinear conductivity of the plasma, accounted for the formation of a short ultraviolet radiation pulse. This pulse was attributed to the motion of the front of an electromagnetic shock wave formed in the surface-discharge plasma.