PROBE DIAGNOSTICS OF STRONGLY IONIZED INERT-GAS PLASMAS AT ATMOSPHERIC-PRESSURE

The technique of probe measurements (experiment and theory) is applied in a dense, strongly ionized inert-gas plasma at atmospheric pressure . The measurements are performed in a high-current (250-550 A) free-bu rning argon are with a thermionic cathode. As a control technique we u sed spectroscopic measurements. Comparison of calculation with experim ent reveals goad agreement. The possibility of determining the plasma potential from the measured floating-probe potential is demonstrated. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7842(98)01006-X].