Ion dynamics in nonlinear electrostatic structures

Direct experimental determination of terms in the ion kinetic equation is u sed to address the question of ion dynamics in low-frequency electrostatic structures. Problems in quantitative laser-induced florescence in plasmas a re addressed, especially the problem of the relative metastable fraction. I n addition to determining terms in the ion kinetic equation and the plasma electric field, the measurements determine the energy-dependent cross secti on for metastable quenching. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.