Abstract: Method and apparatus for Langmuir probe plasma diagnostics employing an etronically controlled, discontinuous, modulated sweep of pulses in which the pulse amplitude follows a sawtooth envelope. The pulse organization procedure is such that the probe rests at a baseline potential for a period which is much longer than the pulse width and current-voltage data points are generated by each pulse. The distortions that can result when probe surface conditions change within the measurement period are eliminated by maintaining a single probe surface condition throughout the collection period of the current-voltage characteristic.

Abstract: An improved circuit for compensating for temperature and current variations n rectifier circuits used for converting alternating current to a proportional direct current, particularly at low voltages. A separate rectifier to be used as a circuit standard is maintained in close thermal proximity to other rectifiers as part of the conversion circuit. A voltage proportional to that across the standard is applied as a bias to a terminal of the circuit rectifiers to automatically compensate for temperature and current changes in the circuit and thereby provide a more accurate rectification of an input voltage.