Noble Gas - Discharge Color

Discharge Color

Colors and spectra (bottom row) of electric discharge in noble gases; only the second row represents pure gases.
Helium Neon Argon
 Krypton Xenon

The color of gas discharge emission depends on several factors, including the following:

  • discharge parameters (local value of current density and electric field, temperature, etc. – note the color variation along the discharge in the top row);
  • gas purity (even small fraction of certain gases can affect color);
  • material of the discharge tube envelope – note suppression of the UV and blue components in the bottom-row tubes made of thick household glass.

Read more about this topic:  Noble Gas

Famous quotes containing the words discharge and/or color:

    “It is wonderful when a calculation is made, how little the mind is actually employed in the discharge of any profession.”
    —Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

    “‘Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
    Taught my benighted soul to understand
    That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:
    Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
    Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
    “Their color is a diabolic die.”
    Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,
    May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.”
    —Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753–1784)