Apparatus for investigating non-linear microwave interactions in magnetised plasma

Bingham, R. and Ronald, K. and Whyte, C. G. and Wilson, K. and Phelps, A. D.R. and Cairns, R. A. and Eliasson, B. and Koepke, M. E. and Cross, A. W. and Speirs, D. C. and Robertson, C. W. and MacInnes, P. and Bamford, R. (2019) Apparatus for investigating non-linear microwave interactions in magnetised plasma. In: 46th European Physical Society Conference on Plasma Physics, EPS 2019, 2019-07-08 - 2019-07-12.

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Abstract

In many plasma applications, electromagnetic (EM) waves are key to providing energy. Plasmas can demonstrate complex dynamics when exposed to multiple EM signals. Raman coupling (by Langmuir oscillation) or Brillouin scattering (through ion-acoustic waves) are important in laser plasma interactions: Microwave beams can be formed at normalised intensities comparable to those used some laser plasma interactions, and can interact in tenuous, cool and accessible plasmas potentially enhancing insight into the plasma dynamics. Magnetic confinement fusion physics may directly benefit from multifrequency microwave interaction in plasma to access, for example, cyclotron and hybrid resonances in dense plasma, either for heating or current drive. Building on earlier research investigating geophysical cyclotron wave emissions [1,2], a new “linear plasma” experiment is under construction to test multifrequency microwave interactions in magnetised plasma. The magnetic field will reach up to 0.05T, and the plasma will be created by a helicon wave launched from an RF antenna. This will produce a large, dense, cool plasma with potential for a high ionisation fraction. Fixed frequency, and wideband sources and amplifiers will provide microwave beams for the multi-signal interaction experiments. The paper will present progress on this system.

  • Item type:Conference or Workshop Item(Paper)
    ID code:70747
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    8 July 2019
    Published
    30 April 2019
    Accepted
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:10 Dec 2019 15:17
    Last modified:09 Apr 2024 06:45
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/70747
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