In situ microwave ionized air chemistry measurements

The collision frequency of conduction electrons with neutral air molecules and the conduction electron density of ionized air in the Aurora test cell have been measured with microwave techniques. The macroscopic time-varying, nonlinear air conductivity of ionized air has also been determined. It is concluded that the microwave techniques outlined can be used as an independent check of the ionized air conductivity, computer codes, and the parameters used in these codes. In general, within the parameter space of the measurements, the experimental data presented are in good agreement with the predictions of the air chemistry packages