Determination of the electron density in a high-pressure Na-Xe discharge from the profile of a Stark-broadened spectral line

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Abstract
The electron density is derived from the half‐width of an optically thin Stark‐broadened spectral line. A small nonperturbing amount of K is introduced, and the emission profile of the K 6s‐4p (6939 Å) is measured. The side‐on intensity distribution is recorded with a scanning Fabry‐Pérot interferometer. Fourier transformation and Abel inversion yields the local profiles. Thus, the electron density ne is found as a function of the radial coordinate. The plasma temperature is calculated from ne and the sodium pressure pNa. Axis values are ne= (1.0±0.2) ×1022 m−3 and T=4100±120 K for pNa=100 Torr; ne= (2.1±0.4) ×1022 m−3 and T=4350±120 K for pNa=200 Torr.