Strong axial laser heating of a theta-pinch plasma

Journal Article · Sat Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 23, no. 12, pp. 693-695

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1654793· OSTI ID:4345020

Hoffman, A L

Holographic interferogams are shown of THETA -pinch plasmas heated axialiy by 35 J of 10.6- mu m radiation. One hundred percent conversion of laser to plasma thermal energy is indicated by the resultant plasma expansion and inferred temperature increase from 10 to 65 eV. The heated plasma column in 10 cm long by 6 mm in diameter and at an electron density of about 5 x 10/sup 17/ cm/ sup -3/. The laser heating process i s seen to produce a self-trapping density minimum on axis in contrast to the density maximum encountered in normal unheated THETA pinches. This has significant implications for the high-density laser- heated long-solenoid approach to fusion. (auth)

• Research Organization: Mathematical Sciences Northwest, Inc., 4545 15th Avenue, N. E., Seattle, Washington 98105
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-29-025699
• OSTI ID: 4345020
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 23, no. 12, pp. 693-695, Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett., v. 23, no. 12, pp. 693-695; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*PLASMA HEATING-- LASER-RADIATION HEATING
*THETA PINCH-- LASER- RADIATION HEATING
CONFINEMENT
HEATING
HOLOGRAPHY
INTERFEROMETRY
LASER RADIATION
N70100* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research-- Confinement & Heating
PINCH EFFECT
PLASMA
PLASMA PRODUCTION