Design and characterization of a theta-pinch discharge for atomic emission spectroscopy

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5657242

Kamla, G J

The high temperature and density plasma generated by magnetic constriction of a preexisting plasma was studied as an emission source for the elemental analysis of solid materials. This high energy plasma has the ability to directly sample solid materials. A theta pinch discharge was designed and constructed to create this magnetically compressed plasma. In the theta pinch geometry, magnetic compression is achieved by a pulsed, high current discharge through a coil. The coil encloses an insulated discharge vessel containing an ionized plasma at low pressure. The field generated by the high current discharge through the coil causes magnetic compression of the plasma, increasing both the plasma temperature and density. The main discharge source, which generates the high current pulse, was operated at peak voltages of -31 kV, and was shown to be capable of generating peak discharge currents of 60 kA. Two coil geometries, cylindrical and helical, were examined with this source. Improved coupling between the high current discharge and the plasma was observed with the high inductance, helical coil. Along with the effect of coil geometry, the effect of fill gas on coupling efficiency was also studied. The theta pinch was operated with both argon and helium fill gases. Coupling between the main discharge and the plasma was more efficient for discharges in argon than for discharges in helium, most likely due to the higher ionization potential of helium. This discharge was applied to aluminum, stainless steel, and tungsten samples.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5657242
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400104 -- Spectral Procedures-- (-1987)
640420* -- Fluid Physics-- Properties & Structure of Fluids-- (-1987)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ALLOYS
ALUMINIUM
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
ELECTRIC COILS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EMISSION SPECTRA
EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY
EQUIPMENT
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
MAGNET COILS
METALS
PINCH EFFECT
RADIATION SOURCES
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS
THETA PINCH
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
TUNGSTEN