Publication Date
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Michael Saville (Advisor), Amit Sharma (Committee Member), Vladimir Sotnikov (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering (MSEgr)
Abstract
Diagnostics are necessary for measurement of plasma parameters such as electron, ion and atomic densities, electron temperature, plasma expansion velocity and spatial resolution of density gradients. These parameters play a critical role in defining how a plasma will interact with electromagnetic radiation. For example, the plasma black-out phenomenon occurs when electromagnetic waves are at frequencies below the plasma frequency, where plasma frequency is a function of electron density. Wave propagation diagnostics can improve understanding of a plasma when measurement supports parameter estimation. In this report, the dual-wavelength interferometry method provides a single diagnostic capability to measure plasma expansion velocity, atomic density and electron densities. Using a laboratory plasma created with wire-ablation pulsed-power techniques and the Sarkisov model, electron and atomic densities are estimated for copper and aluminum plasmas.
Page Count
62
Department or Program
Department of Electrical Engineering
Year Degree Awarded
2017
Copyright
Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
