Confinement of a potassium plasma in a spindle cusp magnetic field

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.337761· OSTI ID:5139811

Bosch, R A; Merlino, R L

The confinement properties of a low-..beta.. (average) potassium plasma produced by contact ionization in a spindle cusp magnetic field were investigated. In this configuration, n/sub e/roughly-equal10/sup 8/-10/sup 10/ cm/sup -3/, T/sub e/roughly-equalT/sub i/roughly-equal0.2 eV, and the ions are weakly magnetized. Electron and ion densities, space potentials, and plasma flow velocities were measured in the ring and point cusps. The leak width of the escaping plasma was measured over a wide range of magnetic field strengths and neutral pressures. The dependence of the leak width on neutral pressure and magnetic field strength is accounted for by a simple model in which the plasma streams out of the cusps along the magnetic field lines while diffusing across the magnetic field due to the combined effects of neutral-particle collisions and Bohm diffusion. Measurements of broadband plasma noise suggest the presence of ion acoustic wave turbulence.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
• OSTI ID: 5139811
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 60:9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CUSPED GEOMETRIES
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
DIFFUSION
ION ACOUSTIC WAVES
ION DENSITY
MAGNETIC FIELDS
POTASSIUM
TURBULENCE
ALKALI METALS
CONFINEMENT
ELEMENTS
ION WAVES
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
METALS
OPEN CONFIGURATIONS
PLASMA WAVES
700101* - Fusion Energy- Plasma Research- Confinement
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