Mapping electron dynamics in highly transient EUV photon-induced plasmas: a novel diagnostic approach using multi-mode microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy

J. Beckers (Corresponding author), F.M.J.H. van de Wetering, B. Platier, M.A.W. van Ninhuijs, G.J.H. Brussaard, V.Y. Banine, O.J. Luiten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)
180 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A new diagnostic approach using multi-mode microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy (MCRS) is introduced. This can be used to determine electron dynamics non-invasively in an absolute sense, as a function of time and spatially resolved. Using this approach, we have for the first time fully mapped electron dynamics specifically during the creation and decay of a highly transient pulsed plasma induced by irradiating a background gas with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photons. In cylindrical geometry, electron densities as low as 1012 m-3 could be detected with a spatial resolution of (sub)100 μm and a temporal resolution of (sub)100 ns. Our experiments clearly show production of electrons even after the in-band EUV irradiation fades out. This phenomenon can be explained by both photoionization by out-of-band EUV radiation emitted by the EUV source later in time and delayed electron impact ionization by electrons initially created by in-band EUV photoionization. From the analysis, the absolute width of the electron cloud in the probing volume could also be retrieved temporally resolved. This data clearly indicates cooling of electrons. From an application perspective, it is demonstrated that the method can be used as a non-invasive and in-line monitor for ionizing radiation in terms of beam power, profile and pointing stability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number034004
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • electron density
  • EUV induced plasma
  • MCRS
  • microwave CAVITY resonance spectroscopy
  • multi-mode MCRS
  • photon induced plasma

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mapping electron dynamics in highly transient EUV photon-induced plasmas: a novel diagnostic approach using multi-mode microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this