Laser collisional induced fluorescence electron density measurements as a function of ring bias and the onset of anode spot formation in a ring cusp magnetic field
- Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
In this paper, two-dimensional electron density measurements are made in a magnetic ring cusp discharge using laser collisional induced fluorescence. The magnet rings are isolated from the anode structure such that they can be biased independently in order to modulate electron flows through the magnetic cusps. Electron density images are captured as a function of bias voltage in order to assess the effects of current flow through the cusp on the spatial extent of the cusp. We anticipated that for a fixed current density being funneled through the magnetic cusp, the leak width would necessarily increase. Unexpectedly, the leak width, as measured by LCIF images, does not increase. This suggests that the current density is not constant, and that possibly either electrons are being heated or additional ionization events are occurring within the cusp. Spatially resolving electron temperature would be needed to determine if electrons are being heated within the cusp. Finally, we also observe breakdown of the anode magnetosheath and formation of anode spots at high bias voltage.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States); Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NA0003525; SC0014664
- OSTI ID:
- 1474090
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-2018-10182J; 667942
- Journal Information:
- Plasma Sources Science and Technology, Vol. 27, Issue 5; ISSN 1361-6595
- Publisher:
- IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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