The polarization of atomic states of helium in nanosecond discharge with slot cathode

The optical and polarization characteristics of spontaneous radiation of a transverse nanosecond discharge with a slot cathode are experimentally investigated. It is experimentally found that the spontaneous radiation of helium atoms exhibits partial linear polarization. It is assumed that partial linear polarization of spontaneous radiation of the discharge is due to the anisotropy of processes of electron excitation of atoms.