A Lagrangian Interpretation of Laser Induced Fluorescence Signals in a Plasma

Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) is a nonintrusive diagnostic technique that has found applications in the study of a wide range of fundamental and applied problems. Thus it is important to make a correct interpretation of LIF signals. We adopt a Lagrangian approach to model LIF signals by introducing a non-linear conditional probability function $P$(x,v,t;x',v',t'). A simulation is performed to compute the LIF signals and the results are presented. We investigate how mean-field waves affect these signals and metastable state birth rates. The ultimate goal is to construct the complete model for LIF signals by combining optical pumping, mean-field wave effect and metastable state birth rate modulation.