Capabilities of Imaging Interferometry for Plasma Diagnostics in Open Systems

Two modifications of imaging interferometry: heterodyne (HI) and phase contrast interferometers (PCI) are designed for observation of plasma density profiles and density fluctuations respectively. Besides, spatial distributions of plasma velocities, velocities fluctuations and related electrical fields can be obtained from the analysis of HI and PCI data. New sensitive phase counters, developed at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, enable HI to include some capabilities of the PCI. In addition to well recognized transversal spatial resolution of imaging technique, progress in deconvolution of line-of-sight-integrated data was recently made. Computer simulation, bench-test experiments and recent experimental results from the Large Helical Device illustrate the potentials of the imaging interferometry for investigation of plasma. Application of the imaging interferometry with spatial resolution along the viewing line to mirror machines is finally considered.