Experimental Evidence of Temperature Gradient Effects on the Neutral Gas Penetration into a Magnetized Rotating Plasma

Abstract

The experimental evidence of temperature gradient effects on the neutral gas penetration into a plasma is presented. It is found that an increased temperature gradient reduces the neutral gas content in the partially ionized boundary layer of a cold gas blanket system. A strong modification of the rotating plasma equilibrium is then observed. Such an equilibrium is a sensitive function of the neutral gas concentration both in the plasma and its boundary layers. The moderate values of the centrifugal force which act both on the ions and neutrals do not appreciably influence the plasma permeability to neutral gas. It is further observed that an acceleration of neutrals takes place in a rotating plasma.