3D measurements and simulations of ion and neutral velocity distribution functions in a magnetized plasma boundary

ORAL

Abstract

We present progress toward the first paired 3D laser induced fluorescence measurements of ion and neutral velocity distribution functions (I/NVDFs) in a magnetized plasma boundary. These measurements are performed in the presheath region of an absorbing boundary immersed in a background magnetic field that is obliquely incident to the boundary surface ($\psi = 74^{\circ}$). Parallel and perpendicular flow measurements demonstrate that cross-field ion flows occur and that ions within several gyro-radii of the surface are accelerated in the $\vec{E} \times \vec{B}$ direction. We present electrostatic probe measurements of electron temperature, plasma density, and electric potential in the same region. Ion, neutral and electron measurements are compared to Boltzmann simulations, allowing direct comparison between measured and theoretical distribution functions in the boundary region.

*NSF PHYS 1360278

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Authors

  • Derek S. Thompson

    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • West Virginia University

  • Shane Keniley

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
    • Univ of Illinois - Urbana

  • Davide Curreli

    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
    • Univ of Illinois - Urbana

  • Miguel F. Henriquez

    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • West Virginia University

  • David Caron

    • West Virginia Univ
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy

  • Andrew J. Jemiolo

    • West Virginia Univ
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • West Virginia University

  • Jacob McLaughlin

    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • West Virginia Univ

  • Mikal T. Dufor

    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy

  • Luke Neal

    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University

  • Earl Scime

    • West Virginia University
    • West Virginia Univ
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics
    • West Virginia University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, West Virginia University

  • M. Umair Siddiqui

    • Phase Four, Inc.