Numerical modelling of Ar glow discharge at intermediate and high pressures

A detailed collisional-radiative model for Ar at intermediate and high pressures is developed. The model is coupled with the electron Boltzmann equation and includes several highly excited Ar states and charged particles. The densities of all neutral and charged species considered are calculated self-consistently. Detailed information concerning the electronic data used is presented. The model will be further used for analysing the contraction phenomena in noble gas discharges and eventually for theoretical description of the kinetic properties of high pressure Ar excimer laser.