Online plasma diagnostics in the remote spectroscopy laboratory for practical training and experimental research

Abstract

This paper deals with an integrated Internet-based education laboratory that allows both practical lab sessions and full-blown research projects to be carried out using state-of-the-art experimental facilities. The setup of a system that controls lab equipment via a global computer network is described, and a distributed hardware and software control facility supporting remote lab operations is considered in terms of its structural arrangement and component interaction. We present a computer-aided dispatch-and-information system that allows students to generate their own experiment scenarios, conduct experiments remotely, and store/process experimental results from their personal cabinets. We also discuss the peculiarities of developing a computerized system to support plasma spectroscopy hands-on education and research. Further emphasis is given to the laboratory modernization, regarding both hardware and result processing software.