Positron Plasmas in the Laboratory
Abstract
The focus of this project was the development of efficient methods to accumulate low-energy positrons in the laboratory and to create positron plasmas and beams in new regions of parameter space. A new high-magnetic-field, cryogenic positron storage trap was put into operation. Rapid cooling is achieved by cyclotron emission in a 5 tesla magnetic field. Radial plasma compression is achieved using a rotating, radio-frequency electric field. New plasma operating regimes were explored that offer the potential to produce higher density positron plasmas, infinite confinement times, and a new-generation of cold, bright positron beams. Techniques were developed to efficiently compress plasmas without the need to carefully tune the frequency of the rotating electric field. A method of beam extraction was demonstrated that can produce a finely focused beam with a diameter of four Debye lengths. At the end of the project, research was in progress to explore and understand the limits of plasma density compression with the goals of massive positron storage and the creation of brighter positron beams.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422126
Entities
People
- C. M. Surko
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego