Transport in Magnetized Correlated Plasmas
Abstract
Experiments and theory will characterize the confinement properties of plasmas in magnetic fields, in the temperature regime where inter-particle correlations are significant. The experiments will be performed on two existing apparatuses: the "IV" apparatus contains Mg plus ion plasmas with sophisticated laser diagnostics and control techniques; and the "CamV" apparatus contains pure electron plasmas or e-/H- plasmas with detailed camera diagnostics. Theory will characterize the plasma dynamics with emphasis on quantitative comparison to experiments. Specifically, this research will characterize the "long-range" collisions causing particle diffusion and heat diffusion across the magnetic field, in the regimes from weak to moderate inter-particle correlation. Prior experiments and theory for un-correlated plasmas has characterized the important dynamical effects of electric fields, plasma flow shear and finite size (boundary) effects. One surprising dynamical effect is "collisional caging", where noise fluctuations cause particles to collide multiple times. Another surprising dynamical effect is that the ubiquitous "diocotron" mode can cause enhanced centrifugal separation of disparate mass species. This research will extend these dynamical perspectives into the lower temperature regime of strong inter-particle collisionality. These experiments will be performed on research devices optimized for simplicity, controllability, and quantitative diagnostics. However, the understandings developed have applicability to diverse magnetized plasma technologies, ranging from anti-matter traps to microwave oven magnetrons to plasma thrusters for satellite propulsion.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1230686
Entities
People
- Charles Driscoll
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego