electrostatic probe

instrument

Also known as: electric probe

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

An electrostatic probe is an instrument used to measure variables in plasma, such as ion densities, electron and ion temperatures, and electrostatic potential differences. These probes are crucial for understanding plasma behavior in both laboratory settings and in space.1

Electrostatic probes are a type of sensory device that helps determine the magnitudes of various plasma variables. By analyzing the data collected by these probes, scientists can gain insights into the conditions within a plasma. This information is vital for research in fields ranging from astrophysics to fusion energy.1

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plasma
Determination of plasma variables
With the electrostatic probe, ion densities, electron and ion temperatures, and electrostatic potential differences can be determined. Small search coils and other types of magnetic probes yield values for the magnetic field; and from Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations the current and charge densities and the induced component of…
Read More
With the electrostatic probe, ion densities, electron and ion temperatures, and electrostatic potential differences can be determined. Small search coils and other types of magnetic probes yield values for the magnetic field; and from Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations the current and charge densities and the induced component of…
Read More