Eur. Phys. J. D 28, 101-107 (2004)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2003-00290-6

Determination of electron density in a wall stabilized Ar–CO₂ thermal plasma

¹ Laboratoire Arc Électrique et Plasmas Thermiques, Université Blaise Pascal, 24 avenue des Landais, 63177 Aubière Cedex, France
² Département Mesures Physiques, IUT d'Aubière, Université d'Auvergne, 24 avenue des Landais, 63172 Aubière Cedex, France

Corresponding author: ^a hubert.coitout@univ-bpclermont.fr

Received: 14 April 2003
Revised: 5 September 2003
Published online: 21 October 2003

Abstract

The electron density is measured in an argon-CO₂ thermal plasma by optical emission spectroscopy. Electron density is deduced from the Stark broadening of the argon line and hydrogen (H) line. Different theories are used and compared. The effect of CO₂ molecule upon this plasma is studied as a function of the Ar–CO₂ mixture composition and discharge current. The electron density is ranging from  m^-3 to  m^-3. The influence of the arc confinement is studied and the electron density gradients are evaluated. Departure from local thermal equilibrium is also discussed.