Three Dimensional Imaging of Helicon Wave Fields Via Magnetic Induction Probes
Abstract
The majority of data presented in this work is for a helicon plasma discharge driven at 13.56 MHz, 500 Watts input power, 900 Gauss applied magnetic field, 10 mTorr neutral Argon gas, and cylindrical plasma of 5 cm diameter approximately 50 cm long. High frequency magnetic induction probes were developed to measure helicon wave propagation using a new technique for frequency calibration through an impedance analyzer; up to 100 MHz. This work demonstrates magnetic field measurements in high frequency plasma are greatly simplified through this new frequency characterization method. Line-lengths and transmission-cable-types are readily identified as diagnostic limiting factors. The magnetic probe design enables the first 3-dimensional imaging of plasma waves through detailed radial and axial measurements. Strong agreement is obtained between the measured b(r), b(theta), and b(z) radial profiles with the numerical solutions of helicon waves when a non-uniform radial density profile is considered. The axial helicon wavelength predicted by the non-uniform radial density theory also agrees with the measured wavelength when the full three dimensional wave is accurately analyzed. In some cases, the differences between the three dimensional wavelength and the numerically solved values are less than 30%. This is in contrast to the two dimensional wavelengths which can differ from the numerical values by greater than 100%. We show a complete visual representation of helicon waves through 3-d imaging which provides significantly more accurate analysis of the helicon wavelength.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506253
Entities
People
- Michael P. Reilly