An interferometric electron density estimate of a TE-CO2 laser sustained plasma in front of a metallic target

Abstract A Mach-Zehnder interferometer, using a Q-switched ruby laser as a light source was constructed. It was used for the prime investigation of a TE-CO 2 laser produced plasma in front of a solid target. Plasma refractivity analysis indicates an electron density of 10 18 cm -3 on the detonation front.