Thomson scattering from a tokamak plasma with a repetitively Q-switched ruby laser

Abstract
A ruby laser sytem in periodically Q‐switched operation was used for Thomson scattering from a tokamak plasma. The laser delivers about 25 equidistant pulses of more than 10 MW peak power during the 1‐ms flashlamp discharge. Electron density and temperature of the plasma were recorded as a function of time during the pulse sequence. The repetitively Q‐switched system has been used to measure temperature and density development during a disruptive instability.