The escape factor in plasma spectroscopy. I - The escape factor defined and evaluated. II - The case of radiative decay. III - Two case studies
Abstract
In plasma spectroscopy, it is frequently convenient to treat the effect of self-absorption parametrically as a reduction in the spontaneous transition probability by a parameter known in the literature relating to lab studies as the escape factor. In the present paper the concept of the escape factor is developed in a systematic way; a definition is given and the escape factor is evaluated for Gaussian, Lorentzian, and Holtsmarkian profiles, for upper and lower limits to the source function, and for infinite plane-parallel slab and infinite cylinder geometries. In addition, a case study of the escape factor for a source decaying radiatively is presented. This is followed by a discussion of two contrasting approaches to the evaluation of the escape factor.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer
- Pub Date:
- July 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0022-4073(79)90102-X
- Bibcode:
- 1979JQSRT..22....1I
- Keywords:
-
- Plasma Decay;
- Plasma Spectra;
- Probability Theory;
- Self Absorption;
- Asymptotic Methods;
- Line Spectra;
- Opacity;
- Photons;
- Plasma Cylinders;
- Plasma Slabs;
- Transition Probabilities;
- Plasma Physics