Thomson scattering using an atomic notch filter

One of the biggest problems in performing Thomson scattering experiments in low-density plasmas is the very high stray light intensity in comparison with the Thomson scattering intensity. This problem is especially present in fluorescent lamps because of the proximity of the glass tube. We propose an atomic notch filter in combination with a dye laser and an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) filter as a way of reducing this stray light level. The dye laser produces 589 nm radiation which is guided through the ASE filter that increases the spectral purity. The beam is then guided in the fluorescent lamp, where the Thomson scattering process takes place. The scattered light is collected and guided through a sodium vapor absorption cell, where the stray light is absorbed because it is resonant to the D-2 transition of sodium. The spectral width of the Thomson scattering light is large enough to be transmitted through the absorption cell. In this way we only measure the Thomson scattering light. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0034-6748(00)02805-7].