General expression for the probability distribution function of electric field in a spatially inhomogeneous non-neutral plasma

Abstract

We discuss the influence of micro- and macro-fields on spectral lines of ions as it takes place for spatially inhomogeneous plasma. A distribution function of an electric field is obtained. The function accounts for inhomogeneity and non-neutrality of plasma. The results of calculations of this function for various regimes are presented. Experimental results for ultracold plasma are used to compare theory with experiment. Dependence of the absorption coefficient on the function is shown. These results may be useful for diagnostics of various types of plasmas. One of the methods of plasma diagnostics is the analysis of the influence of its electric field on the shape of the spectral lines of atoms and ions (the Stark effect).