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Observation of collisionless heating and thermalization of ions in a theta pinch

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)
Spectral line profiles from impurity ions in a small theta pinch have been measured and are interpreted as ion-velocity distribution functions. For antiparallel driving and bias fields, the ions attain a Maxwellian distribution corresponding to a perpendicular temperature of 3--4 keV in a time short compared to particle self-collision times. Thermalization is less rapid for parallel magnetic fields. (AIP)
Research Organization:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
OSTI ID:
7285251
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 36:17; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English