High-Frequency Laser Interferometry in Plasma Diagnostics

Abstract

The time response of the laser interferometer is studied, and the parameters that are instrumental in limiting its time response are discussed. It is shown that by judicious selection of parameters the laser interferometer is capable of detecting resonances in excess of 50 per microsecond, which is close to the theoretical limit of the resonant structure used. The applicability of the interferometer to measurement of very rapidly changing plasma electron densities is demonstrated.