State of the Art and Challenges in Non-equilibrium Plasma Diagnostics

Non-equilibrium plasmas are intricate systems that are used or being investigated to tackle many societal needs. In view of the deep complexity of the non-equilibrium low-temperature plasmas, diagnostics remain critical in the advancement of both plasma science and engineering. Plasma diagnostics have made considerable progress in the last decade which enable us to measure an exceedingly wide range of parameters. Despite the progress, a number of challenges still remain.

The aim of this Research Topic is to collect contributions covering new developments in non-equilibrium plasma diagnostics. The collection will highlight remaining challenges in perspective articles, be a reference for new researchers and students entering the field through dedicated invited review papers and show examples of state-of-the-art developments through original articles.

Specific themes may include bulk plasma, solid or liquid plasma interface diagnostics based on laser spectroscopy, laser scattering, mass spectrometry, and EM diagnostic techniques. Method insights employed for measurements of key species and fields in plasmas with high temporal or spatial resolutions, high sensitivity or selectivity, including for example ultrafast diagnostics, multi-component detections, spectral selective techniques, are expected as part of this collection.