A turbulently heated electron plasma
W. L. Stirling, I. Alexeff · Plasma Physics · 1970
The objective of this work was to produce a dense, ionizing plasma which could be an effective shield against Franck-Condon neutrals (spontaneously generated, energetic hydrogen atoms), the plasma density times the plasma thickness should be equal to or greater than 10 14 particles/cm 2 . The authors have developed a unique, high-energy, high-density electron plasma annulus which exists in a magnetic mirror of 2:1 ratio and operates in hydrogen gas at pressure of 3*10 -5 torr. The hog electrons are produced in a high voltage reflex discharge, or 'arc'. The arc electrodes are placed off the magnetic axis in the throats of thie respective mirror coils. When heating takes place, the hot electrons are trapped in the magnetic mirror field and drift azimuthally due to the grad B*B precession. In this way a hot electron plasma annulus is created about the magnetic axis of the machine.