Optogalvanic Effect in Ionized Gas

Book excerpt: The physical formation mechanisms of optogalvanic effects in ionized gases are considered in this comprehensive monograph, as well as the effects themselves, and their diverse applications. The work explores the influence of irradiating light on the impedance of plasma discharges: glow discharges, discharges with hollow cathodes, and thermoionic diodes. Optogalvanic effects in flames and rarefied gas are also analyzed and optical schemes to study a number of phenomena which register optogalvanic signals are presented. The applications of the optogalvanic effect which are discussed include spectrochemical analysis techniques, high-precision laser frequency stabilization, plasma diagnostics, and isotope separation. Over the past 25 years the importance of low temperature discharges and gases in materials processing has been recognized, and this monograph will be an invaluable source of reference for research specialists in this area.