Determination of the Velocity Distribution in Plasma with Lasers by Thomson and by Resonant Scattering

摘要

Laser scattering methods that appear promising for deducing the single-particle electron-velocity distribution (as well as density and temperature) are described and compared. Single laser Thomson scattering with kl sub D>>1 and a frequency shift greater than the plasma frequency, is reviewed and shown to be feasible for the velocity range between thermal to three times thermal velocity. Also analysed are methods involving Thomson scattering off the electron plasma or ion plasma resonance with kl sub D