Using Laser Induced Breakdown To Probe Pressure

The measurement of non-uniform gas pressure as a function of position within a chamber can be difficult, with the level of difficulty increasing as a function of the desired spatial resolution. Such measurements are important for characterizing parameters affecting experiments; e.g., profiling a gas jet being used as a target. In this work we will discuss the use of laser induced breakdown to measure pressure at well localized ($\sim$1 mm$^3$) positions within a chamber. A detailed description of the apparatus, and preliminary results, will be presented.