ABSTRACT
A low-pressure mercury-free Ar-Mo03 electrode-less discharge is investigated with potential application to lighting. The inductive discharge is driven by a 13.56 MHz RF generator at input powers between 100 and 200 W. Calibrated emission spectra in the near UV, visible, and NIR regions are presented alongside with the corresponding powers emitted as radiation. An extensive set of transition probabilities and rate coefficients for electron impact excitation between Mo states is assembled and a detailed collisional radiative model of the plasma is also developed. The model includes eleven states of neutral Mo, the evaporative and recycling chemistry of Mo03 into Mo and back, and the relevant species and reactions in argon-oxygen plasma. The paths for visible and UV radiation are analyzed in detail. The measured light output at PRF
- 200 W is —40 lumens per watt with a potential to reach —60-80 lumens per watt.
