Effects of laser light on argon plasma in a GEC rf reference cell.

Since lasers have become so powerful in dusty plasma research, it is important to determine the manner in which a laser will affect the plasma. In this work, a Verdi ™ G-Series optically pumped semiconductor laser was used in conjunction with a Langmuir probe to determine the effect (if any) that the laser has on the plasma. A Langmuir probe was used to measure and monitor various plasma parameters in a dusty argon plasma. Measurements were taken with the laser immediately beneath the probe at various plasma pressures, plasma powers, and laser powers.