Development of a new helicon plasma source in the Wheaton Linear Plasma Device

The Wheaton Linear Plasma Device (WLPD) is designed to be a testbed for experiments in linear magnetized plasmas, similar, though at a smaller scale, to UCLA’s LAPD and WVU’s PHASMA. The WLPD is intended for studying whistler-mode wave physics relevant to Earth’s radiation belts, and it will also emphasize availability for education and outreach. The WLPD will use a helicon source to create overdense plasmas relevant to Earth’s radiation belts. Simulations using the HELIC code have been used to inform design choices for the helicon source, including antenna type and dimensions. Analytical theory has been used to select variable vacuum capacitors needed to create a matched load. The constructed matching network is paired with a commercially available 27 MHz 1800w RF amplifier. Theory, design, and initial performance of the WLPD helicon source will be presented.