Diagnostic Techniques
In the diagnostic techniques that we use, two different classes can be distinguished: passive techniques (spectroscopy) and active ones. In the former case, the radiation from the plasma is studied. This is a very old technique, and technically relatively simple. Interpretation of the results, however, can be complicated. In the latter case, some interaction with the plasma takes place, for example, a laser beam is pointed at the plasma. This can offer much more direct information about the plasma, but is more demanding on the experimental setup. A short introduction to a number of diagnostic techniques that are used in the polydiagnostic lab is given below.
Schematical layout and overview of the diagnostic tools in the polydiagnostic laboratory
Active Diagnostic Techniques
Passive Diagnostic Techniques