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Spectral analyzer for Thomson scattering
1Centre de Recherches en Physique des Plasmas, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|December 1, 1979
Summary
A new, compact, and affordable four-channel spectral analyzer is presented for Thomson scattering plasma diagnostics. This instrument enables spectral analysis of scattered light in plasmas with densities as low as 10^14 cm^-3.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Spectroscopy
- Diagnostic Instrumentation
Background:
- Thomson scattering is a key diagnostic technique for measuring plasma properties.
- Existing spectral analyzers can be complex, expensive, or bulky.
- There is a need for cost-effective and compact diagnostics for low-density plasmas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, inexpensive, and compact four-channel spectral analyzer.
- To demonstrate its suitability for Thomson scattering plasma diagnostics.
- To enable spectral analysis of scattered light from low-density and moderate-temperature plasmas.
Main Methods:
- Development of a four-channel spectral analyzer with novel features.
- Integration into a Thomson scattering diagnostic setup.
- Testing and validation using plasma sources.
Main Results:
- The spectral analyzer is physically compact and cost-effective.
- It successfully performs spectral analysis of scattered light.
- The instrument is suitable for plasmas with densities down to approximately 10^14 cm^-3 and temperatures up to several hundred electron volts.
Conclusions:
- The developed spectral analyzer offers a practical and affordable solution for Thomson scattering diagnostics.
- Its compact size and cost make it accessible for various plasma research applications.
- It extends the capability of Thomson scattering to lower plasma densities than previously feasible with similar instrumentation.
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