Laws governing the fluorescence of KrF* and XeF* excimer molecules in a volume discharge

The results are given of an investigation of the fluorescence of KrF* and XeF* excimer molecules as a function of the conditions for coupling energy into a self-sustained volume discharge with ultraviolet preionization. The observed saturation of the KrF* fluorescence intensity with rising input power is explained (on the basis of the results of a numerical simulation) by an increase in the quenching probability of the KrF* molecules. A good quantitative agreement between the calculated and experimental results was obtained on selecting an "anomalously high" rate constant for the quenching of KrF* by electrons (~2×10⁷ cm³/sec). Possible causes are discussed of the observed limitation on the duration of the fluorescence in a self-sustained volume discharge.