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Numerical simulations of radio frequency atmospheric pressure argon glow discharges were performed using a one-dimensional hybrid model. The discharge simulations were carried out for a parallel plate electrode configuration with an inter-electrode gap of 1.0 mm together with an external matching circuit. The external matching circuit parameters were found to have significant effect on the discharge characteristics. The results indicate that the discharge can operate at either the α or γ mode depending on the matching circuit parameters. The two modes of operation were found to be distinctly different. The predicted Ar* density was considered to provide qualitatively the visual appearance of the α or γ mode discharge. The α mode was found to have a luminous region in the center of the discharge. On the other hand, the γ mode had luminous regions very close to the electrodes which were followed by …