Diagnostics Development for E-Beam Excited Air Channels
Abstract
The conductivity of reduced density channels made by laser-initiated and exploding-wire-initiated discharges was measured systematically by microwave interferometry. The results show that the DC conductivity can be as high as 5 x 10 to the 10th/s for the laser channels and as high as 10 to the 11th/s for the exploding wire channels. The channel temperature inferred from the conductivity levels is as high as 4000 K. The channels cool by adiabatic expansion, and subsequent turbulent convective mixing of the hot central plasma with the cold surrounding air; as a result, the conductivity drops to 5 x 10 to the 9th/s in 2-6 ms, depending on the initial discharge energy. The effects of impurities are discussed, as are the implications for charged particle beam propagation in such channels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206678
Entities
People
- D. J. Eckstrom
- K. R. Stalder
- Martin S. Williams
Organizations
- SRI International