Balmer series Hbeta measurements in a laser-induced hydrogen plasma.
Stark-broadened emission profiles of the Balmer series Hbeta lines are measured subsequent to nanosecond laser-induced optical breakdown in gaseous hydrogen. Electron number densities are found from time-resolved spectra from Hbeta emissions to be in the range 10(15)-10(18) cm(-3). These results are compared with Halpha measurements for which number densities as high as 10(19) cm(-3) are determined from Stark widths and Stark shifts. Good agreement is reported for number densities inferred from Halpha and Hbeta emissions, down to an electron number density 3 x 10(16) cm(-3), by accurate treatment of ion dynamics in the theory.
Center for Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, 411 B.H. Goethert Parkway, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, USA. cparigge@utsi.edu
Christian G
CG
Parigger
David H
DH
Plemmons
Eugene
E
Oks