In this paper we present data for excitation and quenching rate coefficients of the N 2 (CSH,) state as a whole and for its v=0, v=l and v=2 vibrational levels. The results have been obtained using a steady state non-selfsustained discharge in pure nitrogen (and also in a 95 % N2+5 % H 2 mixture) and by absolute measurements of radiation from the gas. We also discuss in detail our experimental apparatus and procedure.

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Excitation of argon metastable levels (43P2 +43Po) in a nonselfsustained discharge in Ar(>99%)+N2(<__l%) gas mixtures has been investigated by measuring N 2 second positive group which is the result of excitation transfer from Ar metastables to N 2 molecules. The method is based on the assumption, experimentally verified, that addition of small quantities of N 2 do not change markedly the probability of Ar excitation. The obtained excitation coefficients for production of Ar m in the E/N range (20-70) x 10 21 Vm 2 are (3.5-13) x 10 22 m 2 with an estimated uncertainty of -t-50 %. Simultaneously, excitation coefficients for direct excitation of nitrogen C-state by swarm electrons in Ar-N 2 mixtures have been obtained. A comparison of nitrogen spectra excited by electrons and by argon metastables showed significant differences in relative population of vibrational and rotational levels of the N2(CaH,) state in these two cases.

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