INSTABILITIES AND NOISE IN MAGNETICALLY CONFINED PLASMAS
Abstract
Large amounts of noise power were observed in a coaxial line coupled to a magnetically self-confined plasma. The noise power lies in the megacycle frequency range, and has a power density of the order of 50 db/kT. To account for this, a theory is developed based on the inherent instabilities in the plasma, which are characterized by the propagation of initial disturbances in the form of growing waves. The mode of propagation depends on the transverse movement of the surface of the plasma, and is affected slightly by any action in the interior of the discharge. This type of propagation is similar to the scalloping modes in microwave tubes except for the presence of positive ions which are lacking in most microwave devices. The frequency at which the maximum growth occurs is determined by the gyro and plasma frequencies of the positive ions. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265762
Entities
People
- D. Denburg
- M. Scotto
- P. Parzen
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories