Vacuum ultraviolet radiation of atomic nitrogen in pulsed self-sustained discharges of atmospheric pressure

Parameters of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation of plasma jets and nanosecond diffuse discharges formed in gaps with a non-uniform electric field by high-voltage nanosecond pulses due to runaway electrons were studied. In nitrogen mixtures with helium or argon with a nitrogen content less than 10%, intense VUV radiation was detected on the atomic nitrogen lines at 149.3 and 174.3 nm. The compositions of gas mixtures for obtaining the maximum radiation power on these lines were determined. The average radiation power obtained was up to 6.8 mW/cm$^2$. The volt-ampere and radiative characteristics of diffuse discharges in He(Ar)-N$_2$ mixtures were measured. An increase in the radiation intensity on the 149.3 and 174.3 nm lines after the cessation of the diffuse discharge current was detected.