Measurement method for electric fields based on stark spectroscopy of argon atoms

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Atomic Spectroscopy
• Quantum Mechanics

Background:

• Glow discharge plasmas are crucial in various industrial and scientific applications.
• Accurate measurement of electric fields within plasma sheaths is essential for understanding plasma behavior.
• Existing methods for electric field measurement in plasmas can be limited in scope or accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for measuring electric fields in glow discharge plasmas.
• To utilize Stark spectroscopy of argon atoms for precise electric field quantification.
• To establish a reliable technique for in-situ electric field diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a method based on laser excitation of atomic argon transitions.
• Calculated the dependence of argon energy levels on electric field strength by solving the Schrodinger equation.
• Employed laser optogalvanic spectroscopy to measure Stark spectra in the plasma sheath.
• Tuned laser wavelength to argon transitions 4s-->nf (n=7-14).

Main Results:

• Successfully measured electric fields in the sheath region of a glow discharge.
• Demonstrated the capability to determine electric field strength by matching experimental and theoretical absorption spectra.
• Achieved a lower limit for electric field measurements of 14 V/mm for the n=11 transition.

Conclusions:

• The developed Stark spectroscopy method provides an effective means for measuring electric fields in glow discharge plasmas.
• The technique offers high sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in the plasma sheath region.
• This method advances diagnostic capabilities for fundamental plasma research and applications.