Vortex formation during radio frequency heating of plasma

Abstract

Experiments on a test plasma show that the linear theory of waveguide coupling to slow plasma waves begins to break down if the rf power flux exceeds approximately 30 W/cm2. Probe measurements reveal that within 30 μsec, an undulation appears in the surface plasma near the mouth of the twin waveguide. This surface readjustment is part of a vortex, or off-center convective cell, driven by asymmetric rf heating of the plasma column.