Determining the energy distribution function of electrons in the negative-luminescence plasma of a glow discharge from the line intensities

The energy distribution function of electrons (EDFE) in the negative luminescence of a glow discharge is found using, as well as the probe method, calculation from measured spectralline intensities. The measurements are made in a weakly anomalous discharge in helium at a pressure of 0.5 mm Hg. In the energy range from 0 to 35 eV, EDFE is determined by the second-derivative method, and in the range from 23 to 69 eV by derivation from the helium spectral-line intensities. Note that the nonmonotonic behavior of the distribution function due to inelastic collisions of electrons with gas atoms is clearly reflected both in the probe characteristics and in the radiation spectrum.