A spectroscopic diagnostic of the electron density in a corona discharge

Spectral lines of hydrogen observed in a corona discharge are investigated. The corona discharge has been performed at the vicinity of a tip electrode under high voltage. The shape of the H-α and H-β lines is dominated by the Stark broadening due to the plasma microfield. Using a computer simulation method, we examine the sensitivity of the line shapes to the electron density. Our results indicate the possibility of a density diagnostic based on passive spectroscopy.