Detection of trapped magnetic fields in a theta pinch using a relativistic electron beam

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988 · Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1140171· OSTI ID:6950042

Leemans, W P; Clayton, C E; Joshi, C

A novel nonperturbative diagnostic is used to infer the existence of trapped magnetic fields in a theta-pinch plasma. A thin beam of 1.5-MeV electrons from a 9-GHz, X-band linear accelerator is injected along the axis of a theta pinch with a period of 6 ..mu..s. The electron pulse duration is approximately 1 ..mu..s. Without any fill gas, when the theta pinch is fired, only those electrons within +- 50 ns of the second B/sub ext/ = 0 are transmitted. The rest of the electrons are deflected by the solenoidal field, which acts as a strong lens. When the plasma is present even these transmitted electrons at B/sub ext/ = 0 are deflected because the plasma can trap some of the field lines. The magnitude and the scale length of these trapped fields can be estimated from the extent of the deflection.

• Research Organization: Electrical Engineering Department, University of California at Los Angles, Los Angeles, California 90024
• OSTI ID: 6950042
• Journal Information: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States), Vol. 59:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
FIELD-REVERSED THETA PINCH DEVICES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
ELECTRON BEAMS
BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS
BEAT WAVE ACCELERATORS
CAPACITORS
ELECTRON BEAM INJECTION
PULSE TECHNIQUES
ACCELERATORS
BEAM INJECTION
BEAMS
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
COMPACT TORUS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
LEPTON BEAMS
PARTICLE BEAMS
PINCH DEVICES
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
TORI
700102* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Diagnostics