Determination of electron density in a wall stabilized Ar-CO ${\mathsf{_2}}$ thermal plasma

The electron density is measured in an argon-CO₂ thermal plasma by optical emission spectroscopy. Electron density is deduced from the Stark broadening of the argon line and hydrogen (H ) line. Different theories are used and compared. The effect of CO₂ molecule upon this plasma is studied as a function of the Ar-CO₂ mixture composition and discharge current. The electron density is ranging from 3 x 10²¹ m^-3 to 5.6 x 10²² m^-3. The influence of the arc confinement is studied and the electron density gradients are evaluated. Departure from local thermal equilibrium is also discussed.Received: 5 September 2003, Published online: 21 October 2003PACS: 52.70.Kz Optical (ultraviolet, visible, infrared) measurements - 52.80.Mg Arcs; sparks; lightning; atmospheric electricity     

Measurement of Rotational Temperature by Simulated Molecular Spectra

The measurement of temperature of heavy particles in a thermal plasma is based on the comparison of experimental rotational spectrum obtained by optical emission Spectroscopy and synthetic spectra calculated for different temperatures. The calculation principle of the synthetic spectra is detailed as well as the temperature accuracy obtained. This method is used to measure the temperature of an Ar-CO₂ mixture plasma produced in a wall stabilized arc with molecular spectra of C₂ (Swan system) and CN (violet system).