Spectroscopic investigation of plasmas in liquids

Stark broadening analysis of H𝛼 and H𝛽 provided electron density measurements, found to be consistent across different liquids, decreasing significantly over the discharge duration. The analysis also showed a considerable drop in collisional van der Waals broadening, reflected in the 𝑃/𝑇^0.7 values. These electron density values, alongside red shifts and widths of the H𝛼 peak, corroborated the data from line broadening, and were used alongside H𝛼 and H𝛽 intensities to estimate stable electron temperatures near 2 eV throughout the pulse.

Adding an inductor to the discharge circuit in deionized water increased discharge duration significantly and seemed to stabilize the plasma, suggesting controlled behaviour with lower average electron densities and temperatures. This modification hints at the potential for inductance adjustments to manipulate plasma chemistry in deionized water.<br><i><br>Thesis is embargoed until 31 Dec 2026.</i>