Langmuir Probes
A Langmuir Probe is a scientific instrument used to measure the electrical properties of plasmas, which are ionized gases found in various environments, including space and fusion reactors. It consists of a thin electrode that is inserted into the plasma, allowing researchers to collect data on electron density, temperature, and potential.
The probe operates by applying a voltage to the electrode and measuring the resulting current. This information helps scientists understand plasma behavior and characteristics, which is essential for applications in fields like astrophysics, nuclear fusion, and semiconductor manufacturing.