High-frequency plasma spark discharge assessment in pulse-scanning digital holographic interferometry

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the method for observing and detecting of high-frequency pulsed plasma spark discharge by means of stroboscopic digital holographic interferometry to demonstrate the feasibility of the electron concentration assessment in nonthermal plasma. A spark discharge with a 5 kHz frequency and 1250 ns duration has been exited between two electrodes in atmospheric pressure. The sequence of holograms acquired due to the proper synchronization between plasma pulses, laser radiation, and the camera’s frame grabbing that ensure the recording of the plasma pulses at different moments of time, and the temporal optical scanning of plasma pulse were realized. We also show that the phase difference contrast variation corresponds to the plasma’s instant and indicates a change in the electron concentration in the discharge. The concentration of electrons at different moments of plasma existence has been estimated. The limitations of the proposed method are considered, and its applicability for the study of low-temperature pulsed plasma are discussed.