EXPERIMENTAL TWO-BEAM EXCITATION OF PLASMA OSCILLATIONS
Abstract
Plasma electron oscillations were excited in experiments in which the essential conditions of the Bohm and Gross two-beam theory were reasonably fulfilled. Independent interpenetrating electron beams were passed through a plasma of much higher charge density; in traveling through the plasma the beam electrons ionized neutral atoms and thereby produced sufficient positive ions to compensate their own charge to a reasonably high degree. With boundary electrodes present, standing waves of longitudinal plasma electron oscillations were produced. It was established that, in agreement with theory, no velocity modulation of the beam electrons prior to their entering the plasma was needed in order to cause the buildup of large amplitude oscillations. Tests were made with apparatus designed specifically to avoid such modulation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0271718
Entities
People
- M.j. Kofoid
Organizations
- Boeing