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Generation of a magnetic field in a weakly ionized plasma

Journal Article · · Soviet Journal of Plasma Physics
OSTI ID:105387
The possibility is investigated of generating a quasisteady magnetic field in a weakly ionized plasma subjected to intense high-frequency radiation. It is shown that in plasmas made from monatomic gases the magnetic field is generated because the gradients of the electron density and the high-frequency field intensity are not parallel, and the rate of generation itself is proportional to the atomic weight. In a weakly ionized molecular plasma, in addition to this source, a magnetic field can arise if the gradients of the electron density and molecular temperature are not parallel. The magnitude of both magnetic field sources increases with the fraction of energy given up by an electron vibrational states of the molecules. 17 refs., 1 fig.
OSTI ID:
105387
Journal Information:
Soviet Journal of Plasma Physics, Journal Name: Soviet Journal of Plasma Physics Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 18; ISSN SJPPDC; ISSN 0360-0343
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English