OPTICAL PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS: A SHORT COURSE.

This course is intended for non-spectroscopists who use low pressure, non-equilibrium plasmas in such areas as materials processing, lighting, and switching. Spectroscopic nomenclature and the structure of atoms and molecules are reviewed along with the fundamental principles of absorption and emission of radiation. Quantitative analysis of spectroscopic data to obtain energy level distributions and absolute densities is outlined along with a discussion of common experimental tools and alignment procedures to assist the beginning student in setting up a diagnostic experiment. Recent applications of techniques such as emission actinometry and Stark spectroscopy are discussed briefly. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on discharge structure and kinetics. The course will be given at the International Summer School on Plasma Chemistry and the notes included here consist of a brief introduction, viewgraphs, and bibliography.