Anomalies in the Scattered Laser Light Spectra of a High Current Carbon Arc Plasma

Abstract

The scattered light spectra of a high current carbon arc plasma have been studied. The temperature and density of the arc column were mapped using conventional scattering techniques. Small enhancements in the scattered light spectra were found at several wavelength shifts, including the shift corresponding to the plasma frequency. The dispersion relation of the anomalous waves was studied as a function of the plasma parameters. A theoretical model was constructed with a dispersion relation similar to that observed experimentally.