Note: Simultaneous electrical and optical detection of expanding dense partially ionized vapour clouds

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Optical Diagnostics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Partially ionized vapor clouds are crucial in phenomena like dust impact ionization and laser ablation.
• Accurate measurement of charge and optical emission from these clouds is essential for understanding their dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the design and construction of a novel electro-optical probe.
• To demonstrate the probe's capability in collecting charge and detecting optical emission from expanding dense partially ionized vapor clouds.
• To present initial results from ablating a tungsten (W) target and discuss broader applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of an electro-optical probe system.
• Experimental setup for generating and analyzing expanding plasma clouds from solid targets (e.g., W).
• In-situ measurements of charge collection and optical emission spectra.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of the electro-optical probe's functionality.
• Presentation of preliminary data on the expanding plasma cloud generated from tungsten target ablation.
• Validation of the probe's utility in diverse experimental environments.

Conclusions:

• The developed electro-optical probe is an effective instrument for characterizing expanding partially ionized vapor clouds.
• The probe shows promise for applications in fundamental plasma research and materials science, including studies in tokamak devices.