The Radio Frequency (RF) Discharge uses radio waves to excite a plasma rather than a cathode or some other current discharge as in the other experiments. These sorts of plasmas are of particular interest for plasma aided manufacturing. The apparatus can also be used to investigate plasma breakdown in a direct current fashion. Having constant RF signals in the plasma necessitate different kinds of diagnostics that the students must master. The apparatus also allows access to plasma sheath phenomena.
Scientific Topics Addressed: DC and RF Plasma break down, plasma sheath physics
Diagnostics Used: Double Langmuir Probe, Radio Frequency Diagnostics