On the use of the H α spectral line to determine the electron density in a microwave (2.45 GHz) plasma torch at atmospheric pressure

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The electron density of an argon microwave (2.45 GHz) plasma flame generated at atmospheric pressure has been determined by using the Stark broadening of the experimentally measured H α line emitted by the discharge. The H β line was not observable under the experimental conditions of this discharge. Two methods have been employed to obtain the electron density from the Stark broadening of the H α line. The first used the Gigosos–Cardeñoso computational model that considers the strong broadening of the H α line by ionic dynamics. Alternatively, a second method based on a calibration of Stark broadenings of H α and H β lines offered a simpler way to obtain the electron density.