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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Modeling study of divertor particle flow pattern and in–out plasma density asymmetry due to drifts with SOLPS and BOUT++

A study of the effects of drifts on the particle flow pattern and in–out divertor plasma density asymmetry for L-mode and H-mode plasmas is carried out for EAST discharges by the edge plasma transport codes SOLPS and BOUT++. The simulation of L-mode plasmas is done by SOLPS while the simulation of H-mode plasmas is done by BOUT++. The toroidal magnetic field direction for the simulated discharge is artificially reversed in the codes to study the effects of different drift directions on the divertor particle flow pattern and the in–out asymmetry of divertor plasma density. The divertor particle flows induced by diamagnetic and E × B drifts are found to have similar directions in the divertor region for the same discharge. The directions of the flows induced by drifts would be reversed with the reverse of toroidal magnetic field direction. The diamagnetic drift seems to have no effect on the in–out asymmetry of divertor plasma density due to its divergence-free nature. However, the E × B drift could result in a pronounced asymmetry of plasma density between the inner and outer divertor targets. The density in–out asymmetry caused by E × B drift is reversed with the reverse of E × B drift flow direction. Detailed analysis shows that the radial component of the E × B drift flow is the main cause of density asymmetry. The results from the simulation of H-mode plasmas with BOUT++ are similar to those of the L-mode plasmas with SOLPS except that the drift effects seem to be slightly larger in the H-mode plasmas compared to the L-mode plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Studies of whistler propagation along a plasma density gradient that is parallel to the magnetic field

Low frequency plasma wave generation in space is important for both scientific and practical applications. One of the most promising techniques for doing this is to directly inject whistler waves into the space environment from an antenna onboard one or more satellites. This technique has been discussed for years, but there are still open questions about the best way to generate plasma waves. So far, most theoretical [Kondrat92], lab based [Pribyl2010, Stenzel2016] and space-based experiments [DSX] have focused on studying the generation of whistler waves from an electric dipole antenna. However, a dipole antenna is very inefficient because it puts a lot of energy in waves that are not effective for most applications. Theoretical [Kondrat92] and lab experimental [Stenzel2016] results indicate that a loop antenna is much more efficient at generating whistler waves than a dipole antenna. A satellite experiment will need to be developed to demonstrate that whistler waves can be generated from a loop antenna in the space environment. The challenge is that to efficiently transmit whistler modes in the natural plasma environment of space, the loop antenna will have to be very large. For example, at L=2 (one earth radius away from the surface of the earth) a loop antenna would need a radius on the order of ~200 m to radiate efficiently, as shown in fig. 1, left. The antenna size and complexity would require a prohibitively large and expensive satellite mission. Our proposed innovation is to exploit the fact that the characteristic wavelength of whistler waves decreases in more dense plasma, which reduces the size needed for an antenna to radiate efficiently. Fortunately, a technique already exists for enhancing the local plasma density in space, called a plasma contactor [Kovaleski2001]. A plasma contactor can be used to create a local environment where the plasma density is enhanced around the satellite, which in turn reduces the size of an antenna that is needed to radiate efficiently (Fig. 1, right).

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2014

Increasing the upper-limit intensity and temperature range for thermal self-focusing of a laser beam by using plasma density ramp-up

This work is devoted to improving relativistic and ponderomotive thermal self-focusing of the intense laser beam in an underdense plasma. It is shown that the ponderomotive nonlinearity induces a saturation mechanism for thermal self-focusing. Therefore, in addition to the well-known lower-limit critical intensity, there is an upper-limit intensity for thermal self-focusing above which the laser beam starts to experience ponderomotive defocusing. It is indicated that the upper-limit intensity value is dependent on plasma and laser parameters such as the plasma electron temperature, plasma density, and laser spot size. Furthermore, the effect of the upward plasma density ramp profile on the thermal self-focusing is studied. Results show that by using the plasma density ramp-up, the upper-limit intensity increases and the self-focusing temperature range expands.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Numerical solutions of sheath structures in front of an electron-emitting electrode immersed in a low-density plasma

The exact theoretical expressions involved in the formation of sheath in front of an electron emitting electrode immersed in a low-density plasma have been derived. The potential profile in the sheath region has been calculated for subcritical, critical, and supercritical emissions. The potential profiles of critical and supercritical emissions reveals that we must take into account a small, instead of zero, electric field at the sheath edge to satisfy the boundary conditions used to integrate the Poisson's equation. The I-V curves for critical emission shows that only high values of plasma-electron to emitted-electron temperature ratio can meet the floating potential of the emissive electrode. A one-dimensional fluid like model is assumed for ions, while the electron species are treated as kinetic. The distribution of emitted-electron from the electrode is assumed to be half Maxwellian. The plasma-electron enters the sheath region at sheath edge with half Maxwellian velocity distribution, while the reflected ones have cut-off velocity distribution due to the absorption of super thermal electrons by the electrode. The effect of varying emitted-electron current on the sheath structure has been studied with the help of a parameter G (the ratio of emitted-electron to plasma-electron densities)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

First results from plasma density measurements in the FTU tokamak by means of a two-frequency pulsed time-of-flight refractometer

A pulsed time-of-flight refractometer was developed and tested to determine the mean plasma density in the T-11M tokamak by measuring the propagation time of nanosecond microwave pulses in plasma. Later, it was also proposed to use such an instrument to measure and control the mean plasma density in the ITER tokamak by probing the plasma with an extraordinary wave, the electric field of which is perpendicular to the magnetic field in plasma, in the transparency window at frequencies of 50-100 GHz. To avoid the effect of the density profile shape on the measurement results in the nonlinear mode of refractometer operation (near the cutoff), a system operating at two different probing frequencies was developed and tested. Such a system provides two values of the time delay, which can be used to estimate the peaking factor of the density distribution {alpha} and correctly determine the linear density Left-Pointing-Angle-Bracket Nl Right-Pointing-Angle-Bracket , regardless of the density profile (assuming a smooth density profile of the form of N({rho}) = N(0)(1 - {rho}{sup 2}){sup {alpha}}, where N(0) is the central plasma density and {rho} = r/a is the normalized plasma radius). The first experiments on density measurements in the FTU tokamak performed with this refractometer are described, and results from these experiments are presented. The formation of a thin dense plasma layer in the zone of a strong magnetic field (the so-called MARFE layer) at a relatively low (for FTU) plasma density of {approx}6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 19} m{sup -3} was detected. The thickness of this layer, determined from the refractometry data, agrees well with the data obtained using a digital camera.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nonstationary Model of a Low-Density Plasma Jet Ejected from a Stationary Plasma Thruster

A time-dependent problem on finding the parameters of a low-density plasma jet ejected from a stationary plasma thruster is analyzed. In contrast to earlier works in which a stationary problem was solved using a Crook-type kinetic model, a set of kinetic equations is derived at the accuracy level accepted in the kinetic theory with allowance for resonant charge-exchange interaction between ions and neutrals. A method to solve the obtained set of equations is developed and used to perform test simulations, some results of which are presented.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Time-resolved X-ray imaging of the current filamentation instability in solid-density plasmas

The streaming of energetic charged particles can magnetize astrophysical and laboratory plasmas via the current filamentation instability. Despite its importance, the experimental characterization of this instability has remained a challenge. Here, we report an experiment combining a high-intensity optical laser with a high-brightness X-ray free electron laser that successfully images the instability in solid-density plasmas with 200nm spatial and 50fs temporal resolution. We characterize the development of µm-scale filamentary structures and their evolution over tens of picoseconds through a non-linear merging process. The measured plasma density modulations and long merging time reveal the critical importance of space-charge effects and ion motion on this electron-driven instability. Supporting theoretical analysis and kinetic simulations help distinguish the relative role of space-charge and resistive effects. Our findings indicate that magnetic fields on the order of 10megagauss are produced, with important implications for transport and radiation emission of energetic particles in plasmas.

Schoenwaelder, Christopher↗
DOE OSTI2026

Time-resolved X-ray imaging of the current filamentation instability in solid-density plasmas

The streaming of energetic charged particles can magnetize astrophysical and laboratory plasmas via the current filamentation instability. Despite its importance, the experimental characterization of this instability has remained a challenge. Here, we report an experiment combining a high-intensity optical laser with a high-brightness X-ray free electron laser that successfully images the instability in solid-density plasmas with 200 nm spatial and 50 fs temporal resolution. We characterize the development of μm-scale filamentary structures and their evolution over tens of picoseconds through a non-linear merging process. The measured plasma density modulations and long merging time reveal the critical importance of space-charge effects and ion motion on this electron-driven instability. Supporting theoretical analysis and kinetic simulations help distinguish the relative role of space-charge and resistive effects. Our findings indicate that magnetic fields on the order of 10 megagauss are produced, with important implications for transport and radiation emission of energetic particles in plasmas.

Schoenwaelder, Christopher [SLAC National Accelera↗
DOE OSTI2016

Reflection and backscattering of microwaves under doubling of the plasma density and displacement of the gyroresonance region during electron cyclotron resonance heating of plasma in the l-2M stellarator

Reflection and backscattering of high-power (400 kW) gyrotron radiation creating and heating plasma at the second harmonic of the electronic cyclotron frequency in the L-2M stellarator have been investigated experimentally. The effect of the displacement of the gyroresonance region from the axis of the plasma column under doubling of the plasma density on the processes of reflection and backscattering of microwave radiation has been examined. A near doubling of short-wavelength (k{sub ⊥} ≈ 30 cm{sup –1}) turbulent density fluctuations squared is observed. The change in the energy confinement time under variations of plasma parameters and characteristics of short-wavelength turbulence is discussed. A discrepancy between the measured values of the reflection coefficient from the electron cyclotron resonance heating region and predictions of the one-dimensional model is revealed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Whistler wave radiation from a pulsed loop antenna located in a cylindrical duct with enhanced plasma density

Pulsed radiation from a loop antenna located in a cylindrical duct with enhanced plasma density is studied. The radiated energy and its distribution over the spatial and frequency spectra of the excited waves are derived and analyzed as functions of the antenna and duct parameters. Numerical results referring to the case where the frequency spectrum of the antenna current is concentrated in the whistler range are reported. It is shown that under ionospheric conditions, the presence of an artificial duct with enhanced density can lead to a significant increase in the energy radiated from a pulsed loop antenna compared with the case where the same source is immersed in the surrounding uniform magnetoplasma. The results obtained can be useful in planning active ionospheric experiments with pulsed electromagnetic sources operated in the presence of artificial field-aligned plasma density irregularities that are capable of guiding whistler waves.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

A novel method to determine magnetic fields in low-density plasma facilitated through accidental degeneracy of quantum states in Fe{sup 9+}

We propose a new method to determine magnetic fields, by using the magnetic-field-induced electric dipole transition 3p{sup 4} 3d {sup 4}D{sub 7/2} →3p{sup 5} {sup 2}P{sub 3/2} in Fe{sup 9+} ions. This ion has a high abundance in astrophysical plasma and is therefore well suited for direct measurements of even rather weak fields in, e.g., solar flares. This transition is induced by an external magnetic field and its rate is proportional to the square of the magnetic field strength. We present theoretical values for what we will label the reduced rate and propose that the critical energy difference between the upper level in this transition and the close-to-degenerate 3p{sup 4} 3d {sup 4}D{sub 5/2} should be measured experimentally since it is required to determine the relative intensity of this magnetic line for different magnetic fields.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Mode conversion in cold low-density plasma with a sheared magnetic field

Here, a theory is proposed that describes mutual conversion of two electromagnetic modes in cold low-density plasma, specifically, in the high-frequency limit where the ion response is negligible. In contrast to the classic (Landau–Zener-type) theory of mode conversion, the region of resonant coupling in low-density plasma is not necessarily narrow, so the coupling matrix cannot be approximated with its first-order Taylor expansion; also, the initial conditions are set up differently. For the case of strong magnetic shear, a simple method is identified for preparing a two-mode wave such that it transforms into a single-mode wave upon entering high-density plasma. The theory can be used for reduced modeling of wave-power input in fusion plasmas. In particular, applications are envisioned in stellarator research, where the mutual conversion of two electromagnetic modes near the plasma edge is a known issue.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Modeling of the cold electron plasma density for radiation belt physics

This review focusses strictly on existing plasma density models, including ionospheric source models, empirical density models, physics-based and machine-learning density models. This review is framed in the context of radiation belt physics and space weather codes. The review is limited to the most commonly used models or to models recently developed and promising. A great variety of conditions is considered such as the magnetic local time variation, geomagnetic conditions, ionospheric source regions, radial and latitudinal dependence, and collisional vs. collisionless conditions. These models can serve to complement satellite observations of the electron plasma density when data are lacking, are for most of them commonly used in radiation belt physics simulations and can improve our understanding of the plasmasphere dynamics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1976

ELF hiss associated with plasma density enhancements in the outer magnetosphere

The low-frequency narrow hiss bands associated with plasma-density enhancements in the magnetosphere near and beyond L = 4 have been studied with the search coil magnetometer and ion mass spectrometer data from OGO 5. ELF hiss is found to accompany most of the detached plasmas in the outer magnetosphere and to be sharply limited by the steep ion-density gradient at their boundary. The observations indicate that the hiss originates in and is ducted by the plasma-density enhancements. In a particularly favorable case after an interval of low AE and Dst indices, a series of enhanced plasma-density peaks was observed between L = 4 and L = 6 in the afternoon local-time sector. In this case, it was possible to develop an empirical relation among hiss amplitude, plasma density, and L by using in situ simultaneous measurements.

Chan, K.-W.↗