Absolute Density Measurement of Metal Atoms by Laser Resonance Scattering with the Aid of Rayleigh Scattering

The absolute density of metal atoms such as iron and aluminium atoms, the knowledge of which is urgently needed for study of the high temperature plasma-wall interaction, was measured by the laser resonance scattering method within an accuracy of 50%. The calibration of the optical system was performed by using the Rayleigh scattering from argon gas at subatmospheric pressure, and the accuracy of the metal density measurement was confirmed by using accurately adjustable metal vapour from a Knudsen cell as a scattering target.