Multichannel CO2-laser interferometer using a PbSnTe detector array

Abstract

A multichannel CO₂‐laser interferometer has been built to measure electron line‐density profiles of plasmas. In the work path a sheet‐like beam is transmitted over the total extension of the plasma, to be refocused onto a detector array, where interference with the reference beam occurs. In this way a ’’phase image’’ of the plasma is produced on the detector elements. With the data acquisition system used, it is possible to follow the development in time of the profiles.