Publications

Two-dimensional mapping of electron densities and temperatures using laser-collisional induced fluorescence

Barnat, Edward V.; Frederickson, K.

We discuss the application of the laser-collisional induced fluorescence (LCIF) technique to produce two-dimensional maps of both electron densities and electron temperatures in a helium plasma. A collisional-radiative model (CRM) is used to describe the evolution of electronic states after laser excitation. We discuss generalizations to the time dependent results which are useful for simplifying data acquisition and analysis. LCIF measurements are performed in plasma containing densities ranging from ∼109 electrons cm -3 and approaching 1011 electrons cm-3 and comparison is made between the predictions made by the CRM and the measurements. Finally, spatial and temporal evolution of an ion sheath formed during a pulse bias is measured to demonstrate this technique. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.