Using a neon discharge as a well-assessed reference, we demonstrate the validation of atomic data for discharge modeling with data from emission spectroscopy. Specifically, a collisional radiative model of a neon dc discharge was set up using a set of structure and collision data from a semirelativistic B-spline R-matrix calculation by Zatsarinny and Bartschat (2004 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 37 2173) and the electron-energy distribution function of the plasma was determined from the

more »

... oscopic measurement by Dodt et al (2008 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 41 205207). Since the model covers almost the entire visible spectrum, considering a large number of emission lines and many important collisional coupling mechanisms, it enables us to thoroughly test the consistency of the modeled excited-state populations. Inconsistencies, which appear as correction factors for the rate coefficients, are extracted by means of Bayesian probability theory. Despite its limitations, the sensitivity of the approach was sufficient to provide critical information about the collision data, especially in cases where standard cross-section measurements using merged electron and atom beams are difficult to perform. The present approach thus complements existing experimental techniques to test theoretical predictions.