Diffraction of optical radiation on spatially ordered structures of macroparticles in a strongly nonideal thermal plasma

The first observation of the diffraction of optical radiation on ordered structures of macroparticles in a low-temperature thermal plasma was reported. The experiments were conducted in an air thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure with CeO₂ particles at temperatures 1800–2200 K. The parameters of the plasma medium were determined using probe and optical diagnostics methods. The binary correlation function of the system of macroparticles was reconstructed from measurements of the structure factor. Simulation of nonideal plasma with the parameters corresponding to experiment was performed by the molecular dynamic method. The computed and experimental correlation functions were compared, and it was noted that they are in good agreement with one another.