Comparison of the electron temperatures and densities measured for a plasma gas and for elements excited in a high-frequency plasma

In a high frequency induced plasma temperaures and electron densities as derived from spectroscopic measurements have been compared, using special lines from the plasma gas (argon) and from elements injected as aerosols. The excitation temperatures thus measured are comparable. The measured electron densities do not link up with the excitation temperature, if SAHA equilibrium is assumed. This observation could indicate that L.T.E. does not prevail under the conditions of the experiments. (author)