Generation of low-density plasma by two-step photoionization of barium and its evolution in electric field

Two-color, two-step resonant photoionization has been used to produce low-density (∼106 – 107cm−3) barium photoplasma in an atomic beam. The two-photon induced specific absorption coefficient at 355nm for the photoionization process has been measured. The motion of the finite size photoplasma bounded by vacuum is experimentally studied in a static electric field in parallel-plate electrode configuration. It is observed that at sufficiently high electric fields all electrons leave the plasma and the evolution of the left over ion bunch is understood on the basis of independent particle motion.