Abstract

Optical diagnostics used in the study of fundamental processes occurring in a high current (10⁴-A/cm²) pulsed glow discharge are discussed. Temporally and spatially resolved spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to determine the population distribution of the excited states and the emission line shape in a high-current hydrogen discharge that is typical of a high-power plasma switch. When combined with appropriate models these measurements give information about the plasma energy, plasma density distribution, and transport properties. Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy can also be used to identify impurities in the discharge plasma giving information related to the plasma-surface interactions. These data provide quantitative information for the development of microscopic models of the plasmas in pulsed power devices including plasma lenses for high-energy physics applications, high-power switches, and engineering of new plasma loaded devices.

© 1988 Optical Society of America