Stark broadening of high principal quantum number hydrogen Balmer lines in low-density laboratory plasmas

Journal Article · Mon Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVE.75.016401· OSTI ID:21072277

Stambulchik, E; Alexiou, S; Griem, H R; Kepple, P C ^[1]

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1. Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100 (Israel)

We present results for Stark broadening of high principal quantum number (up to n=15) Balmer lines, using an analytical (the ''standard theory'') approach and two independently developed computer simulation methods. The line shapes are calculated for several sets of plasma parameters, applicable to radio-frequency discharge (N{sub e}{approx_equal}10{sup 13} cm{sup -3}) and magnetic fusion (N{sub e}{approx_equal}10{sup 15} cm{sup -3}) experiments. Comparisons of the calculated line profiles to the experimental data show a very good agreement. Density and temperature dependences of the linewidths, as well as relative contributions of different Stark-broadening mechanisms, are analyzed. It is seen that the standard theory of line broadening is sufficiently accurate for the entire set of plasma conditions and spectral transitions considered here, while an alternative theory (''advanced generalized theory'') is shown to be inadequate for the higher-density region. A discussion of possible reasons for this disagreement is given.

• OSTI ID: 21072277
• Journal Information: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 75; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATOMS
BALMER LINES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
HYDROGEN
ION TEMPERATURE
LINE BROADENING
LINE WIDTHS
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA SIMULATION
QUANTUM NUMBERS
STARK EFFECT
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE