Spectral profiles of the Hα line emitted from the large helical device plasma [O. Motojima et al., Phys. Plasmas 6, 1843 (1999)] have been measured with polarization-separation optics and a high-resolution spectrometer. Besides the underlying high-temperature component, which probably arises from charge-exchange recombination, the profiles are interpreted as superpositions of Zeeman profiles for two different magnetic field strengths. The emission locations are thus identified on the magnetic field map; the emissions are localized in the inner and outer regions just outside the ergodic layer, and each field-strength contribution to the overall Zeeman profile represents two radiator temperatures, and inward atom flow velocities in the range of (1–7)×103m∕s.

Black metal absorbing light can be used for the light absorber material for a solar thermophotovoltaic system, which is expected to be a photovoltaic system in the next generation. Here we show that the fiberform nanostructured tungsten formed by helium irradiation absorbs the light from all angles of interest and is virtually black for a solar spectrum, from visible to near infrared wavelength; the absorptivity of the total solar power could be 98%. It is revealed that the nanostructure is formed by a novel process, self-growth of the helium nano-bubbles.

We generate a radio frequency (RF) plasma in water at an atmospheric pressure by applying an RF power of 13.56 MHz from an electrode. The plasma is in a bubble formed in water. On the basis of hydrogen spectral lines under the assumption of thermal equilibrium, the temperature of the plasma is estimated to be 4000 -4500 K. Spectroscopic measurements show that hydrogen and oxygen are excited in the plasma. The plasma is also obtained in tap water or NaCl solution with a high conductivity. In the solution, sodium spectral lines are observed. Colored water containing methylene blue is exposed to the plasma. The absorbence spectra of the colored water before and after exposure to the plasma suggest the decomposition of organic matter due to chemical reactions involving active species, such as OH-radicals.

Radio frequency (RF) plasma in water was used for the degradation of methylene blue. The fraction of decomposition of methylene blue and the intensity of the spectral line from OH radical increased with RF power. RF plasma in water also produced hydrogen peroxide. The density of hydrogen peroxide increased with RF power and exposure time. When pure water (300 mL) is exposed to plasma at 310 W for 15 min, density of hydrogen peroxide reaches to 120 mg/L. Methylene blue after exposed to plasma degraded gradually for three weeks. This degradation may be due to chemical processes via hydrogen peroxide and tungsten. The comparison between the experimental and calculated spectral lines of OH radical (A-X) shows that the temperature of the radical is around 3,500 K. Electron density is evaluated to be^3.5 9 10 20 m -3 from the stark broadening of the H b line.