Saha ionization equation

In physics, the Saha ionization equation is an expression that relates the ionization state of a gas in thermal equilibrium to the temperature and pressure.[1][2] The equation is a result of combining ideas of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics and is used to explain the spectral classification of stars. The expression was developed by physicist Meghnad Saha in 1920.[3][4] It is discussed in many textbooks on statistical physics and plasma physics.[5]

  1. ^ Alexander A. Fridman (2008). Plasma Chemistry. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 94. ISBN 978-0-521-84735-3.
  2. ^ Chen, Francis F. (2016). Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. p. 2. Bibcode:2016ippc.book.....C. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-22309-4. ISBN 978-3-319-22309-4.
  3. ^ Saha, Megh Nad (1920). "LIII.Ionization in the solar chromosphere". Philosophical Magazine. Series 6. 40 (238): 472–488. doi:10.1080/14786441008636148.
  4. ^ Saha, M. N. (1921). "On a Physical Theory of Stellar Spectra". Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. 99 (697): 135–153. Bibcode:1921RSPSA..99..135S. doi:10.1098/rspa.1921.0029.
  5. ^ Drake, R. Paul (2018), Drake, R Paul (ed.), "Properties of High-Energy-Density Plasmas", High-Energy-Density Physics: Foundation of Inertial Fusion and Experimental Astrophysics, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 51–114, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-67711-8_3, ISBN 978-3-319-67711-8, retrieved 2024-06-24