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The identification of the dominant ionic species in the cesium plasma diode has been established experimentally as the atomic ion, Cs+, instead of the molecular ion, C82+. Values of the atomic ion density, Ni, have been determined spectrographically by measurements of the radiative recombination spectrum leading to the 6P state. Electron densities, Nt, were measured independently by the Stark broadening of selected cesium lines. Within experimental uncertainty for a broad range of diode operating conditions, N.=N •. Thus, not only are Cs+ ions directly observed, but any important concentrations of Cs 2 + would violate plasma neutrality. The experimental results are consistent with the existence of local thermodynamic equilibrium.