Electron Temperature Measurements in an Argon/Cesium Plasma Diode.
Abstract
Line intensity measurements in an argon/cesium plasma diode were made at various locations within the discharge, yielding a spatially resolved electron temperature distribution. This device operated at 0.9 Torr argon, 0.04 Torr cesium, and at a current density of 1.05 mA/sq. cm. Observations of the spectral line intensities of the 6P->nS and 6P->nD transitions of cesium yielded an average electron temperature of 8200 K throughout most of the discharge region. In contrast, the argon line emission data yields an average electron temperature of 13500 K. The difference between these two measured electron temperatures suggests that the electron energy distribution function is non-Maxwellian under the measured plasma conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188835
Entities
People
- Michael J. Ward
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology