A Multiphasic Investigation of an Argon Plasma in a rf Discharge and Sonic Afterglow
Abstract
Microwave interferometric and radiometric, optical spectrometric and thermocouple measurements of the electron density and the electron, the excitation, and the gas temperatures have been made in the active discharge and sonic afterflow of an argon plasma generated by a rf generator. The optical measurements were made in the 4000-5000 A region for discharge pressures of 60- 650 Torr. Excitation temperatures in the discharge ranged between about 7000-10, 000K. The electron temperatures from the radiometer measurements were compared with the excitation temperatures. Thermocouple measurements, gas dynamic calculations and rotational spectra from traces of N2 injected in the argon indicated that the gas temperatures in the discharge and the afterglow were 2900-4400K and 1900-3300K, respectively, indicating a two-temperature state in both regions. Results of this investigation indicated local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for all excited levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0740601
Entities
People
- Louis N. Medgyesi-mitschang
- Ray A. Hefferlin