Compact, portable, laser induced fluorescence diagnostic for laboratory plasma sources

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Optical Diagnostics

Background:

• Remote experimental campaigns require portable diagnostic tools.
• Traditional laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) systems are often bulky and complex.
• Existing LIF setups necessitate optical tables, beam splitters, and choppers, limiting portability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) apparatus.
• To eliminate the need for traditional optical components in LIF systems.
• To enable efficient plasma diagnostics in remote experimental settings.

Main Methods:

• Designed a compact LIF system utilizing optical fibers for light delivery and collection.
• Implemented current modulation of the tapered amplifier instead of physical laser output modulation.
• Coupled all laser output and collected light through optical fibers.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated a portable LIF system that removes the need for optical tables, beam splitters, and choppers.
• Reported measurements of ion temperature, ion flow, and relative metastable ion density.
• Validated the system's performance in two distinct remote experimental campaigns.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable LIF system significantly enhances the feasibility of plasma diagnostics at remote facilities.
• The fiber-coupled, current-modulated design offers a robust and simplified approach to LIF.
• This innovation facilitates broader participation in experimental campaigns requiring advanced plasma diagnostics.