Interaction of a Plasma Stream with a Three-Dimensional Magnetic Dipole

Abstract

A differentially pumped coaxial plasma gun is used as a source in studies of plasma interactions with a solenoidal coil forming a three-dimensional magnetic dipole. A cavity forms when the magnetic field is applied. The size of the cavity increases with the magnetic field, and its form is almost independent of the magnetic field. Plasma penetrates the cavity along the magnetic lines of force towards the polar regions of the day-light side of the dipole and may be the same phenomenon as the observed magnetic disturbance in the polar regions on the earth. (C.E.S.)