Laser spectroscopic determination of electric fields, electron densities, and electron temperatures in atmospheric pressure microdischarges

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Uwe Czarnetzki
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2009 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 74729252

Laser electric field measurements and Thomson scattering can provide non-intrusive diagnostics of major plasma parameters in microdischarges. In particular plasma densities, the electron velocity distribution function, and the local electric field can be measured with ns-time resolution and spatial resolutions of better than 100 μm. The laser measurements are combined with ultra-fast and spectrally resolved optical diagnostics and electrical measurements. Application will be to ns-pulsed and RF-operated jets. While the latter jets are already operational in the research group, the ns-jets are a novel development. In contrast to the RF-jets which require operation in helium with only small molecular admixtures, the short high voltage pulses in the ns-jets will allow direct operation in molecular gases. In particular, operation in nitrogen will allow direct electric field measurements. The data provided by the diagnostics will serves as benchmarks for simulations and models of these micro plasmas.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 1123: Physics of Microplasmas
• Participating Person: Dr. Dirk Luggenhölscher