Advanced laser diagnostics for discharge plasma
The aim of this proposal is to (1) develop state-of-the-art laser diagnostics for investigating plasma phenomena and (2) demonstrate and apply these methods in relevant conditions for plasma-discharge applications.

Plasmas are widely used in applications and research for e.g. surface and gas treatment, ignition systems and material processing. Development of application designs and approaches for modelling these complex processes have led to better optimized systems. Plasma-discharge formation is randomized and transient and these plasma-induced processes occur in volatile and harsh environments. Conventional methods for investigating plasma phenomena mainly rely on electric probe techniques, ex-situ mass spectroscopy or passive light emission analysis. Intermediate phenomena are rarely studied in-situ and little is known about intermediate states and governing processes, making plasma-discharge applications hard to assess and analyse. 

Development of laser diagnostic techniques and extensive hardware development has led to rapid advances in a various other research fields the last decades. These previous efforts provide a solid foundation for development of advanced laser-based plasma diagnostics and ground-breaking investigations of stochastic discharge plasma phenomena. This proposal is arranged in a number of work packages where the PI has unique expertise for developing state-of-the-art laser diagnostics techniqes. An example is ultra-high speed videography where the PI recently invented the world’s fastest video camera. This method is uniquely tailored for plasma investigations since it can be used in spectroscopic investigations of single events.

The outcome of this project is to (I) provide experimentalist with novel diagnostic tools for studies of plasma phenomena and (II), generate experimental data that will increase understanding of plasma-induced phenomena for scientists and enginee.