Emissive probes

Abstract

For over 80 years emissive probes have been used to measure plasma potential and a wide variety of methods for interpreting probe data now exists. Constructions, heating methods and measurement techniques are reviewed in detail and their various strengths and limitations are compared. Additionally, several novel uses for emissive probes, such as measuring electron temperature are presented. This review also includes tables of recommendations for emissive probe design given the type of plasma and desired measurements.