An instrument for measuring the momentum flux from atomic and charged particle jets
We have developed an instrument to measure the momentum flux from an intense plasma stream for which the standard techniques used for low pressure gases (<10 Torr) at room temperature are unsuitable. This device, a Plasma Momentum Meter, can measure forces of 10{sup {minus}5} {minus} 10{sup {minus}3} Newtons with a response time of <50 ms onto surfaces of different materials immersed in dense plasmas (n > 10{sup 12} cm{sup {minus}3}). Such forces are transmitted predominantly by ionic and neutral species, with 10's of eV's of kinetic energy, are accompanied by high heat fluxes, and are pulsed. The momentum flux onto a biasable target plate is transferred via a suspended quartz tube onto a sensitive force transducer, a capacitance-type pressure gauge. This protects the transducer from thermal damage, arcing and sputtering. An absolute force calibration of the PMM to 1% accuracy has been made is described. A flat carbon target has been used in measurements of the momentum flux of He, Ne, Ar, and Kr, plasmas produced in a magnetized linear plasma device. 7 refs., 7 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Univ., NJ (USA). Plasma Physics Lab.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/ER
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH03073
- OSTI ID:
- 7094012
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-2696; ON: DE90013620
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Plasma momentum meter for momentum flux measurements
Plasma momentum meter for momentum flux measurements