Laser interferometric measurements of electron density in an arc plasma

The paper describes the application of a laser interferometric technique to arc discharges operating at atmospheric pressure. The limitations of this method are discussed in detail. Results are given for the axial electron density in an argon arc, tube 5 mm diameter, over a current range 30–75 A. In addition the decay of the electron density following rapid arc interruption is also given. It is shown that the time constant of the conductance decay which can be derived from the preceeding measurements is in very good agreement with experimental values determined directly.