Investigation of errors in measuring magnetic fields in high-temperature plasma discharges.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is the investigation of the source of errors in magnetic field measurements using magnetic probes in high-temperature plasmas and the correction or elimination of these errors. The particular sources of error considered are 1) errors in the magnetic field measurements caused by the finite size of the element which yields an average rather than a point value, 2) errors in the calibration caused by the heating of the probe element, 3) errors in the determination of probe position, and 4) errors associated with the disturbance of the current density resulting from the insertion of the probe into the plasma. In order to assure accurate current density calculations from the experimental data, it is necessary to reduce or correct for these errors. The magnitude of these errors and the compensation methods are discussed.