Direct experimental investigation of the electron distribution function in a magnetized plasma

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5460736

Brown, M R

Time resolved measurements of the electron distribution function in a magnetized plasma, F(v{sub {parallel}},v{sub {perpendicular}}), are presented. These measurements were obtained with a novel diagnostic of the author's own design. The diagnostic works by imposing two orthogonal criteria for electron collection: an adjustable magnetostatic barrier which selects electrons according to their pitch angle, W{sub {perpendicular}}/W{sub {parallel}}, and an electrostatic barrier which selects electrons on the basis of their parallel energy, W{sub {parallel}}. The theory of operation of the analyzer is discussed and details of its construction are presented. The analyzer features a magnetic configuration with no net dipole moment to localize the magnetostatic component of the analyzer, a zero crossing coil to provide a magnetic field null at the location of the electrostatic collector, and a large inner diameter to minimize the effect of the analyzer wall on the plasma. The measurements were performed on a plasma produced by a lower-power rf source. The source consisted of a reentrant microwave cavity driven at the electron cyclotron frequency and it produced a plasma density of roughly 10{sup 9} cm{sup {minus}3} per watt of rf power. The cavity's construction and performance is also described.

• Research Organization: Dartmouth Coll., Hanover, NH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5460736
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
DESIGN
DIPOLE MOMENTS
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EQUIPMENT
FERMIONS
FUNCTIONS
LEPTONS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
PERFORMANCE
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
RESOLUTION
TIME RESOLUTION
TIMING PROPERTIES