title: Strong double-layer formation by shock waves in nonequilibrium plasmas.
abstract: Strong double-layer formation by acoustic shock wave (<M=2) propagation in a low-pressure, N2 positive column plasma has been quantified, near the shock front, by measurements of the voltage jump and the enhancements of both the B (3)Pi(g)-A (3)Sigma(+)(u) plasma emission and the electron density. The large polarity dependence (or shock direction) of these effects and potential jumps of more than 20 kT(e) across the shock-created interface indicate that the measured shock-induced electron heating effects (localized excitation and ionization rate) are caused by the formation of strong double layers maintained by the traveling shock front.
authors.affiliation: Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7919, USA. Biswa.ganguly@wpafb.af.mil
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bletzinger
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Ganguly
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garscadden