Radiophysics plasma diagnostic methods applied to surface wave sustained microwave discharges

Two radiophysics diagnostic methods (interferogram measurements and field radial decay method) are used for determining the plasma behaviour in microwave discharges sustained by surface wave propagation. The interferogram technique which is slightly modified and simplified is used as a reference method for verifying the applicability of the method of the field radial decay. Comparison with theoretical results for the axial density gradient is given and discussed.