Excitation Temperature Measurements of a Pulse-Operated Argon Microwave-Induced Plasma

The present study reports time-and spatially-dependent emission intensities and corresponding excitation temperatures for a pulse-operated argon microwave-induced plasma. These measurements were made at a variety operating conditions. Excitation temperatures were determined using argon, copper, and iron as thermometric species. Observed temperatures show significant differences with respect to each other. Argon emission lines exhibit a pronounced afterglow enhancement which is not observed for analytical lines. The relation-ship between excitation temperature and afterglow enhancement was studied. Excitation temperature was found to decrease suddenly at the falling edge of the microwave pulse.