Electrostatic--magnetostatic hybrid probe for measuring the electron distribution function in a magnetized plasma

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1137867· OSTI ID:7094047

Hayes, M A; Brown, M R; Kasevich, M A; McCowan, R B

A probe has been developed which measures the density (in a magnetized plasma) of electrons with a given parallel energy and also with a given ratio of perpendicular energy to parallel energy. This is done by imposing two noninteracting criteria for electron collection. The electron must first pass an adjustable magnetostatic barrier (a magnetic mirror) which selects electrons according to perpendicular to parallel energy ratio; then the electron must surmount an electrostatic barrier which is well removed behind the mirror, this discriminates on the basis of the electron's original parallel energy. This probe is straightforward to build and easy to use. A simple formula for obtaining a distribution function map from the data provided by this probe is derived.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
• OSTI ID: 7094047
• Journal Information: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Sci. Instrum.; (United States) Vol. 55:6; ISSN RSINA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
BEAM ANALYZERS
CURRENTS
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC PROBES
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTRON SPECTRA
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ELECTROSTATIC ANALYZERS
ELECTROSTATIC SPECTROMETERS
ELECTROSTATICS
FUNCTIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MIRRORS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLATES
PROBES
SPECTRA
SPECTROMETERS