Optical Diagnostics Using a Barium Ion Beam for Spatial Resolution of Plasma Parameters

Plasma electron excitation of the 6s2S1/2 - 6p2P resonance transitions for the singly charged barium ion is proposed as an optical diagnostic for plasmas of thermonuclear interest. Spatial information arises from the intersection of a barium ion beam and the viewing optics. Measurement of relative intensity during a scan of beam and/or optics provides information for electron density and temperature profiles. Zeeman splitting of the emission lines allows local magnetic field and beta determination. Plasma and beam conditions for which such a tool is useful are given.