Identification of Helicon Plasma via Radial Magnetic Field Profiles (Preprint)
Abstract
The propagation of Helicon waves in 5 cm cylindrical plasma has been identified by radial Bz magnetic field profiles. These profiles are correlated with radial plasma density profiles which show a transition from a broad uniform density distribution during inductive plasma to centrally peaked profile during helicon wave propagation. Additionally, the matching network circuit parameters have been analyzed to show a sharp drop in reflected power when the discharge supports helicon waves. At times, the results of the matching network analysis for identification of helicon waves can be ambiguous. Likewise, identification of helicon waves through 'density jumps' or visual inspection can be misinterpreted or non-exact. The most accurate method of identifying helicon wave propagation is shown to be through measurement of radial magnetic field profiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508638
Entities
People
- George H. Miley
- Michael P. Reilly
- William K Lewis
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory