Experimental Investigation of Energy Loss and End Loss Physics in a Linear theta Pinch. Scientific Report 81-3

摘要

The results of an experimental study of particle and thermal loss processes from a 50-cm long theta pinch are presented. The plasma was generated with a 40-mTorr fill of deuterium in a 3.81 cm radius discharge tube; 67% Z-preionization was followed by a main current discharge that produced a 23-kG peak magnetic field in 4.75 mu sec. The electron density and temperature in the plasma column at the end of dynamic implosion were characterized by 1.0 x 10 exp 16 cm exp -3 and 20 eV, respectively. This was followed by adiabatic compression which occurred with the particle and energy loss of interest. The diagnostics employed in this experiment were Thomson scattering, continuum radiation spectroscopy, local magnetic-field probes, local pressure probes, and diamagnetic loops. Axial temperature and density profiles were mapped from the coil into the end region. (ERA citation 06:024555)