get_electron_density_LM

plasmapy.diagnostics.langmuir.get_electron_density_LM(electron_saturation_current, T_e, probe_area)

Implement the Langmuir-Mottley (LM) method of obtaining the electron density.

Parameters:

• electron_saturation_current (Quantity) – The electron saturation current in units convertible to A.
• T_e (Quantity) – The electron temperature in units convertible to eV.
• probe_area (Quantity) – The area of the probe exposed to plasma in units convertible to m^2.

Returns:

n_e – Estimate of the electron density in units convertible to m^-3.

Return type:

Quantity

Notes

The method implemented in this function obtains the electron density from the electron saturation current density, assuming a low plasma density. Please note that the electron saturation current density is a hard parameter to acquire and it is usually better to measure the ion density, which should be identical to the electron density in quasineutral plasmas.