Determining How Magnetic Helicity Injection Really Works

Bellan, Paul M.

California Institute of Technology

关键词: Cameras;    Fluorescence;    70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;    X-Ray Detection Plasma, Fusion, Magnetic Helicity, Spheromak, Experiment;    Plasma, Fusion, Magnetic Helicity, Spheromak, Experiment;   

DOI  :  10.2172/787434
RP-ID  :  DOE/ER/54461
RP-ID  :  FG03-98ER54461
RP-ID  :  787434

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

OAK-B135 The goal of the Caltech program is to determine how helicity injection works by investigating the actual dynamics and topological evolution associated with magnetic relaxation. A new coaxial helicity injection source has been constructed and brought into operation. The key feature of this source is that it has maximum geometric simplicity. Besides being important for fusion research, this work also has astrophysical implications. Photos obtained using high-speed cameras show a clear sequence of events in the formation process. In particular, they show initial merging/reconnection processes, jet-like expansion, kinking, and separation of the plasma from the source. Various diagnostics have been developed, including laser induced fluorescence and soft x-ray detection using high speed diodes. Gas valves have been improved and a patent disclosure relating to puffed gas valves has been filed. Presentations on this work have been given in the form of invited talks at several university physics departments that were previously unfamiliar with laboratory plasma experiments.