Measurement of the internal magnetic field of plasmas using an alpha particle source

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2004 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1779610· OSTI ID:20636699

Zweben, S J; Darrow, D S; Ross, P W; Lowrance, J L; Renda, G ^[1]

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1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 (United States)

The internal magnetic fields of plasmas can be measured under certain conditions from the integrated vxB deflection of MeV alpha particles emitted by a small radioactive source. The alpha source and large-area alpha particle detector would be located inside the vacuum vessel but outside the plasma. Alphas with a typical energy of 5.5 MeV ({sup 241}Am) can reach the center of almost all laboratory plasmas and magnetic fusion devices, so this method can potentially determine the q(r) profile of tokamaks or spherical toris (STs). Orbit calculations, background evaluations, and conceptual designs for such {alpha} vxB (or 'AVB') detector are described.

• OSTI ID: 20636699
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 75, Issue 10; Conference: 15. topical conference on high temperature plasma diagnostics, San Diego, CA (United States), 19-22 Apr 2004; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1779610; (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ALPHA DETECTION
ALPHA PARTICLES
ALPHA SOURCES
AMERICIUM 241
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MEV RANGE 01-10
TOKAMAK DEVICES