Spectroscopic measurements of the plasma temperature in the ZT−1 toroidal pinch

Abstract

The plasma temperature in the ZT-1 toroidal pinch as been determined using spectral line Doppler broadening measurements facilitated by the use of analog-to-digital converters and an on-line computer. The ZT-1 system has been operated in a ’’derated’’ mode with peak toroidal currents of 30 to 110 kA, initial current rise times of 0.5 to 2.5×1011 A/sec, stabilizing toroidal magnetic fields of 0.06 to 0.3 T, and filling pressures of 2 to 30 Pa. Results of the plasma temperature measurements in this mode of operation are reviewed with the objective of determining the effects of scaling the machine parameters on the ion temperature with extension to results obtained in the earlier higher current ’’fast’’ mode operation. An analysis and experimental tests of several possible sources of error in the ion temperature measurements are given in an appendix.