Resonance Holographic Interferometric Spectroscopy for Ion Composition Detection if High Temperature Plasmas

This is a proposal to research and develop a new diagnostic approach for measuring ion composition and density in high temperature high velocity plasmas. The method proposed is Resonance Holographic Interferometric Spectroscopy (RHIS) applied to plasmas produced in an arcjet torch. RHIS is a new diagnostic technique combining the three dimensional capabilities of holography, the plase sensitivity of interferometry, and the species selectivity of spectroscopy. An arcjet apparatus capable of generating readily variable plasma conditions with temperatures up to 4500K and gas velocities of up to Mach 4 will provide the Phase I testing environment. In addition to ion composition, the RHIS diagnostic has the potential to measure such parameters as temperaature, pressure, velocity, density, mas flus, and electron density. This proposal outlines work to characterize the feasibility of RHIS as a new diagnostic for high temperature plasmas. Recommendations regarding the optimal instrument design and optimal data reduction schemes will be made as a pathway into a Phase II program.