Instruments to measure plasmas besides Langmuir probes?

In summary, when measuring the density of a high temperature and density plasma that is too intense for Langmuir probes, other instruments such as capacitive probes and millimeter-wave interferometry can be used to provide a strong signal and easy interpretation of the density. These instruments work by measuring the phase shift caused by wave-particle interactions or using a similar principle to Langmuir probes.
  • #1
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If a plasma is created at one end of a solenoid and heads down towards a target with a density and temperature too high for Langmuir probes, what other instruments can measure the density with a strong signal that is easy to interpret?
 
  • #3
To be more specific, the plasma has a density <5x10^19/m^3 and 10eV temperature.

I was thinking either capacitive probes as, depending on the design, these can work in hotter/denser plasmas than Langmuir probes. They are really just a Langmuir probe without an exposed metallic tip when it comes down to it though, and work on a similar principle.

Also, perhaps millimeter-wave interferometry because when a microwave signal is passed through the plasma, where wave-particle interactions with the electrons cause a phase shift in the signal. The phase shift between this signal and a reference beam path is measured, and density information can be inferred.
 

1. What is a Langmuir probe and how does it measure plasmas?

A Langmuir probe is a diagnostic tool used to measure the properties of plasmas, such as electron density, electron temperature, and ion density. It operates by inserting a small electrode into the plasma and measuring the resulting current-voltage characteristics.

2. Are there any other instruments besides Langmuir probes that can measure plasmas?

Yes, there are several other instruments that can measure plasmas. Some examples include microwave interferometers, optical emission spectroscopy, and laser Thomson scattering.

3. How does a microwave interferometer measure plasmas?

A microwave interferometer measures the phase shift of a microwave signal as it passes through a plasma. This phase shift is related to the plasma density, allowing for the measurement of electron density.

4. What information can be obtained from optical emission spectroscopy of plasmas?

Optical emission spectroscopy measures the light emitted by a plasma, which can provide information about the energy levels and composition of the plasma. This technique can be used to measure the electron temperature and ion density of a plasma.

5. What is laser Thomson scattering and how does it measure plasmas?

Laser Thomson scattering is a technique that uses a laser to scatter off of particles in a plasma. By measuring the scattered light, information about the plasma temperature, density, and velocity can be obtained.

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