Characterization of plasma jet ejected from a parallel-plate rail gun for simulating edge localized mode

Abstract

A small plasma gun with parallel-plate configuration is fabricated to generate a bunch of plasma which is similar to ELM (edge localized mode) plasma, by taking advantages of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Prior to explore how to control the ELM-like plasma so as to relieve heat load on the divertor target, characteristics of a plasma jet ejected from the plasma gun are investigated using a quadruple Langmuir probe which is appropriate for measuring rapidly varying plasma parameters such as electron density, temperature, and ion velocity at the same time. The plasma density and ion velocity measured at 112mm away from the exit are 3×1019m−3 and 11km/s, respectively, which seem to be suitable for investigating next step research on the control of ELM-like plasma using various methods such as electromagnetic waves and high-voltage pulses. Also, the quadruple Langmuir probe is proven to be adequate for use in such experiments.