Total absorption method for nonuniform layer

The possibilities of using the total absorption method for plasma diagnosis are examined both in the case of weak and strong absorption and in the intermediate case. A formula is obtained for the last two cases by which the distribution of the concentration of atoms along the plasma radius can be determined. For diagnosis purposes the distribution along the line of sight of the width of the absorption line and the distribution along the plasma radius of the halfwidth of the thin layer line, which specifically can be found from the asymmetrical self-reversed lines, must be measured. The limits of the applicability of the method are discussed. © 1978 Plenum Publishing Corporation