get_electron_density_LM
- plasmapy.diagnostics.langmuir.get_electron_density_LM( ) Quantity [source]
Implement the Langmuir-Mottley (LM) method of obtaining the electron density.
- Parameters:
- Returns:
n_e – Estimate of the electron density in units convertible to m-3.
- Return type:
Notes
The method implemented in this function obtains the electron density from the electron saturation current density, assuming a low plasma density. The electron saturation current is given by
\[I_{es} = \frac{1}{4} e n_e A_p \sqrt{\frac{8 T_e}{π m_e}}.\]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.