8C7 - Investigation of the scattering of laser light by a plasma

In experimental studies, light from a continuous-wave argon ion laser was scattered by an argon plasma generated by a theta pinch. Resonance scattering was observed both by angular scattering techniques and by interferometry. The scattering data were correlated with properties of the plasma by measuring the time resolved spectra of the plasma. The time resolved density of excited states of argon II was measured and the relationship of these density data to local thermal equilibrium in the plasma are discussed.