Time-resolved argon theta-pinch plasma properties by line ratio method with collisional-radiative model

Abstract

Spectral data of a cylindrical theta-pinch pulsed inductive plasma are compared to collisional-radiative (CR) model simulations to determine time-averaged and time-resolved plasma properties. Argon data are analyzed using a CR model that includes the 14 lowest excited neutral states of argon. The model also takes into account a measure of opacity of the plasma to it's own radiation and predicts spectral line intensity ratios in the near-IR band. Because of the greater level of detail in which argon has been studied and availability of argon excited state collisional information, an extensive ratio cross-point method1 is permissible yielding both electron temperature and electron density estimates as well.