On the influence of magnetic fluctuations on the electrostatic spectrum of a magnetized plasma column

Abstract

The electrostatic character of the self-excited drift wave in a magnetized plasma column is demonstrated. The level of the self-excited magnetic fluctuation is small. With the help of external coils fixed onto the glass tube a rotating field component perpendicular to the steady state axial magnetic field is produced and the influence on the self-excited electrostatic drift wave spectrum is studied. Positive frequency shifts, modulation of the drift-wave amplitude and phase, suppression of the drift wave and mode competition and locking effects are studied. Furthermore, enhanced plasma losses are observed which increase approximately with the square of the amplitude of the oscillating magnetic field.