Range Of Plasma Parameters Research Articles

Anomalous skin effects in anisotropic kappa distributed plasmas

Anomalous skin effects (ASEs) are studied for the transverse electromagnetic waves in an unmagnetized collisionless plasma using anisotropic kappa distribution. The effects of the kappa spectral index (κ), temperature anisotropy (A=T⊥/T||), and the wave frequency (ω) on the ASEs are highlighted to be applicable for a wide range of plasma parameters. It is shown that the skin depth is reduced in a kappa distributed plasma as compared to the Maxwellian one. The anisotropy may enhance/reduce the skin depth depending upon the wave frequency to plasma frequency ratio (ω/ωp) and the regime of the anisotropy (i.e., A > 1 or A < 1). The results for the Maxwellian distribution (κ→∞) are also retrieved. The possible applications to space and laboratory plasmas are also discussed.

Auroral radio emission from ultracool dwarfs: a Jovian model

A number of fast-rotating ultra cool dwarfs (UCDs) emit pulsed coherent radiation, attributed to the electron cyclotron maser instability, a phenomenon that occurs in the solar system at planets with strong auroral emission. In this paper we examine magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling currents in UCDs, adopting processes used in models of Jovian emission. We consider the angular velocity gradient arising from a steady outward flux of angular momentum from an internal plasma source, as analogous to the jovian main oval current system, as well as the interaction of a rotating magnetosphere with the external medium. Both of these mechanisms are seen in the solar system to be responsible for the production of radio emission. We present the results of an investigation over a range of relevant plasma and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling parameters to determine regimes consistent with observed UCD radio luminosities. Both processes are able to explain observed UCD luminosities with ionospheric Pedersen conductances of ~1-2 mho, either for a closed magnetosphere with a plasma mass outflow rate of ~10$^5$ kg/s, i.e. a factor of ~100 larger than that observed at Jupiter's moon Io, or for a dwarf with an open magnetosphere moving through the interstellar medium at ~50 km/s and a plasma mass outflow rate of ~1000 kg/s. The radio luminosity resulting from these mechanisms have opposing dependencies on the magnetic field strength, a point which may be used to discriminate between the two models as more data become available.

High-power tunable laser driven THz generation in corrugated plasma waveguides

The excitation of Terahertz (THz) radiation by the interaction of an ultrashort laser pulse with the modes of a miniature corrugated plasma waveguide is considered. The axially corrugated waveguide supports the electromagnetic modes with appropriate polarization and subluminal phase velocities that can be phase matched to the ponderomotive potential associated with the laser pulse, making significant THz generation possible. This process is studied via full format Particle-in-Cell simulations that, for the first time, model the nonlinear dynamics of the plasma and the self-consistent evolution of the laser pulse in the case where the laser pulse energy is entirely depleted. It is found that the generated THz is characterized by lateral emission from the channel, with a spectrum that may be narrow or broad depending on the laser intensity. A range of realistic laser pulse and plasma parameters is considered with the goal of maximizing the conversion efficiency of optical energy to THz radiation. As an example, a fixed drive pulse (0.55 J) with a spot size of 15 μm and a duration of 15 fs produces a THz radiation of 37.8 mJ of in a 1.5 cm corrugated plasma waveguide with an on axis average density of 1.4 × 1018 cm−3.

Combined impact features for laser plasma generation

Laser-induced plasma has been considered for multiple applications by the moment, and its characteristics strongly depend on laser radiation parameters. Reaching demanded values for the latter might be rather costly, but, in certain cases, similar or even better results could be reached in case of additional impact (optical, electric, magnetic, corpuscular, mechanical etc.). Combined impact effects are mainly based on target properties or interaction mechanism change, and found to decrease plasma generation thresholds by orders of magnitude, improve energy efficiency significantly, and also broaden the range of plasma parameters. Application area, efficiency and optimal regimes for laser plasma generation at such combined impact have been considered. Analysis based on published data and own experiments was performed for both target material and induced plasma flows. Criterial parameters have been suggested to characterize both combined impact and response to it. The data on plasma generation thresholds, controlled parameters, working media supply systems and recovery rate of droplets are very important for technology setups, including those for material modification.

Conceptual design of the three-dimensional magnetic field configuration relevant to the magnetopause reconnection in the SPERF

A new ground-based experimental device, the Space Plasma Environment Research Facility (SPERF), is being designed at Harbin Institute of Technology in China, with Asymmetric REconnection eXperiment-3 Dimensional (AREX-3D) as one of the experimental components to study the asymmetric reconnection dynamics relevant to the interaction between the interplanetary and magnetospheric plasmas. The asymmetry in the designed magnetic reconnection process not only refers to the distinct plasma parameters designed for the two upstream regions across the current sheet, but also refers to the inhomogeneity in the direction along the current sheet resulting from the designed 3D magnetic field geometry. These two asymmetries are fundamental features of the reconnection process at the Earth’s magnetopause. In experiment, the reconnection process is driven by a set of flux cores through coil-current-ramp-up from the ‘magnetosheath-side’ to interact with a dipole magnetic field generated by the Dipole Research EXperiment (DREX) coil on the ‘magnetosphere-side’. The AREX-3D will be able to investigate a range of important reconnection issues in 3D magnetic field geometry that is relevant to the Earth’s magnetopause. A wide range of plasma parameters can be achieved through inductive plasma generation with flux cores on the ‘magnetosheath-side’ and electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) with microwave sources on the ‘magnetosphere-side’, e.g. high (low) plasma density at experimental magnetosheath (dipole) side. Different reconnection regimes and geometries can be produced by adjusting plasma parameters and coil setups as well as coil current waveforms. The three-dimensional magnetic field configurations in the SPERF relevant to the dayside magnetopause reconnection are discussed in detail.

CORSICA modelling of ITER hybrid operation scenariosbbExtended from Proc. 24th Int. Conf. on Fusion Energy (San Diego, 2012) IT/P1-13.

The hybrid operating mode observed in several tokamaks is characterized by further enhancement over the high plasma confinement (H-mode) associated with reduced magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) instabilities linked to a stationary flat safety factor () profile in the core region. The proposed ITER hybrid operation is currently aiming at operating for a long burn duration (>1000 s) with a moderate fusion power multiplication factor, , of at least 5. This paper presents candidate ITER hybrid operation scenarios developed using a free-boundary transport modelling code, CORSICA, taking all relevant physics and engineering constraints into account. The ITER hybrid operation scenarios have been developed by tailoring the 15 MA baseline ITER inductive H-mode scenario. Accessible operation conditions for ITER hybrid operation and achievable range of plasma parameters have been investigated considering uncertainties on the plasma confinement and transport. ITER operation capability for avoiding the poloidal field coil current, field and force limits has been examined by applying different current ramp rates, flat-top plasma currents and densities, and pre-magnetization of the poloidal field coils. Various combinations of heating and current drive (H&CD) schemes have been applied to study several physics issues, such as the plasma current density profile tailoring, enhancement of the plasma energy confinement and fusion power generation. A parameterized edge pedestal model based on EPED1 added to the CORSICA code has been applied to hybrid operation scenarios. Finally, fully self-consistent free-boundary transport simulations have been performed to provide information on the poloidal field coil voltage demands and to study the controllability with the ITER controllers.

Measurement of helium-like and hydrogen-like argon spectra using double-crystal X-ray spectrometers on EAST.

A two-crystal assembly was deployed on the tangential X-ray crystal spectrometer to measure both helium-like and hydrogen-like spectra on EAST. High-quality helium-like and hydrogen-like spectra were observed simultaneously for the first time on one detector for a wide range of plasma parameters. Profiles of line-integrated core ion temperatures inferred from two spectra were consistent. Since tungsten was adopted as the upper divertor material, one tungsten line (W XLIV at 4.017 Å) on the short-wavelength side of the Lyman-α line (Lα1) was identified for typical USN discharges, which was diffracted by a He-like crystal (2d = 4.913 Å). Another possible Fe XXV line (1.85 Å) was observed to be located on the long-wavelength side of resonance line (w), which was diffracted from a H-like crystal (2d = 4.5622 Å) on the second order. Be-like argon lines were also observable that fill the detector space between the He-like and H-like spectra.

Computational comparative study of microwave probes for plasma density measurement

A microwave probe is known to be a suitable method to measure plasma density, even in the processing condition and is widely used in various environments of low-temperature processing plasmas. Various types of microwave probes have been researched and developed to measure the precise plasma density. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate each probes characteristic responding to the plasma parameters (plasma density, electron temperature, pressure, sheath width, and so forth) based on both experiments and simulations. However, a comparative study elucidating the relative characteristics of each probe has not been completed yet, despite the wide applications of the probes in processing plasma. We conduct a comparative study among the microwave probes using the numerical method of three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation. In this study, the microwave probes are compared by investigating the precision of plasma density measurement under a comprehensive range of plasma parameters (plasma density, pressure, and sheath width).

Advances in modeling of lower hybrid current drive

First principle modeling of the lower hybrid (LH) current drive in tokamak plasmas is a longstanding activity, which is gradually gaining in accuracy thanks to quantitative comparisons with experimental observations. The ability to reproduce simulatenously the plasma current and the non-thermal bremsstrahlung radial profiles in the hard x-ray (HXR) photon energy range represents in this context a significant achievement. Though subject to limitations, ray tracing calculations are commonly used for describing wave propagation in conjunction with Fokker–Planck codes, as it can capture prominent features of the LH wave dynamics in a tokamak plasma-like toroidal refraction. This tool has been validated on several machines when the full absorption of the LH wave requires the transfer of a small fraction of power from the main lobes of the launched power spectrum to a tail at a higher parallel refractive index. Conversely, standard modeling based on toroidal refraction only becomes more challenging when the spectral gap is large, except if other physical mechanisms may dominate to bridge it, like parametric instabilities, as suggested for JET LH discharges (Cesario et al 2004 Phys. Rev. Lett. 92 175002), or fast fluctuations of the launched power spectrum or ‘tail’ LH model, as shown for Tore Supra (Decker et al 2014 Phys. Plasma 21 092504). The applicability of the heuristic ‘tail’ LH model is investigated for a broader range of plasma parameters as compared to the Tore Supra study and with different LH wave characteristics. Discrepancies and agreements between simulations and experiments depending upon the different models used are discussed. The existence of a ‘tail’ in the launched power spectrum significantly improves the agreement between modeling and experiments in plasma conditions for which the spectral gap is large in EAST and Alcator C-Mod tokamaks. For the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, the experimental evolution of the HXR profiles with density suggests that this model is valid up to a line-averaged density of m−3, a statement that is confirmed by simulations of the HXR scaling law with density. While simulations with GENRAY/CQL3D codes have ascribed the fast decrease of the HXR emission with density to parasitic absorption in the scrape-off layer by collisional damping, an alternative interpretetation based on an enhanced refraction as the LH wave propagates in the vicinity of the X-point is provided by C3PO/LUKE codes. The consequences for the predictions of LH current in ITER are discussed.

Dynamic Stark broadening of Lyman-α

Calculating lineshapes of atomic radiative transitions broadened by plasma is a complex problem lacking a general analytic solution, and several models have been suggested to treat it. Lyman-α is the simplest transition; paradoxically however, calculating the broadening of this spectral line in plasma results in a significant spread between different models. Here, we argue that the quasistatic broadening regime is never realized for the line core in a one-component plasma; instead, the broadening due to either electrons or ions alone evolves from the impact regime to another regime, also dynamical in nature. In the latter (referred to here as ‘rotational’ broadening), the linewidth only depends on the typical frequency of the plasma microfields and is independent of both the microfield magnitudes and the atomic properties of the transition. We also demonstrate that rotational broadening is asymptotically reached in the high-density/low-temperature limit by other transitions with an unshifted central component, such as the Balmer-α line. A simple expression is suggested interpolating between the two asymptotic regimes, applicable to broadening due to electrons and ions alike. The treatment is further extended to realistic two-component plasmas. Comparison to results of accurate computer simulations shows a good agreement over a very large range of plasma parameters, both for the case of one- and two-component plasmas.

Enhancement of the FIDA diagnostic at ASDEX Upgrade for velocity space tomography

Recent upgrades to the FIDA (fast-ion D-alpha) diagnostic at ASDEX Upgrade are discussed. The diagnostic has been extended from three to five line of sight arrays with different angles to the magnetic field, and a spectrometer redesign allows the simultaneous measurement of red- and blue-shifted parts of the Doppler spectrum. These improvements make it possible to reconstruct the 2D fast-ion velocity distribution from the FIDA measurements by tomographic inversion under a wide range of plasma parameters. Two applications of the tomography are presented: a comparison between the distributions resulting from 60 keV and 93 keV neutral beam injection and a velocity-space resolved study of fast-ion redistribution induced by a sawtooth crash inside and outside the sawtooth inversion radius.

Role of nonthermal electrons on dust ion acoustic double layer with variable dust charge

The presence of nonthermal electron may play an important role in the formation of nonlinear structures in plasma. On the other hand, fluctuation of dust charge is an important and unique feature of complex plasma and it gives rise to a dissipative effect in the system leading to the formation of nonlinear structures due to the balance between nonlinearity and dissipation. In this paper, the propagation of nonlinear dust ion acoustic (DIA) wave in unmagnetized collisionless dusty plasma consisting of ions, nonthermal electrons and dust grains with variable negative charge has been investigated using the Sagdeev potential method. The existence domain of rarefactive double layer (DL) in the DIA wave has been investigated for the range of plasma parameters. The real potential has been obtained by numerically solving the Poisson equation and dust charging equation. It is observed that the presence of nonthermal electrons strengthens the DIA DL.

Core turbulent transport in tokamak plasmas: bridging theory and experiment with QuaLiKiz

Nonlinear gyrokinetic codes allow for detailed understanding of tokamak core turbulent transport. However, their computational demand precludes their use for predictive profile modeling. An alternative approach is required to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and prediction of experiments. A quasilinear gyrokinetic model, QuaLiKiz (Bourdelle et al 2007 Phys. Plasmas 14 112501), is demonstrated to be rapid enough to ease systematic interface with experiments. The derivation and approximation of this approach are reviewed. The quasilinear approximation is proven valid over a wide range of core plasma parameters. Examples of profile prediction using QuaLiKiz coupled to the CRONOS integrated modeling code (Artaud et al 2010 Nucl. Fusion 50 043001) are presented. QuaLiKiz is being coupled to other integrated modeling platforms such as ETS and JETTO. QuaLiKiz quasilinear gyrokinetic turbulent heat, particle and angular momentum fluxes are available to all users. It allows for extensive stand-alone interpretative analysis and for first principle based integrated predictive modeling.

Modulational instability of ion-acoustic waves in plasma with a q-nonextensive nonthermal electron velocity distribution

Modulation instability of ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) is investigated in a collisionless unmagnetized one dimensional plasma, containing positive ions and electrons following the mixed nonextensive nonthermal distribution [Tribeche et al., Phys. Rev. E 85, 037401 (2012)]. Using the reductive perturbation technique, a nonlinear Schrödinger equation which governs the modulation instability of the IAWs is obtained. Valid range of plasma parameters has been fixed and their effects on the modulational instability discussed in detail. We find that the plasma supports both bright and dark solutions. The valid domain for the wave number k where instabilities set in varies with both nonextensive parameter q as well as non thermal parameter α. Moreover, the analysis is extended for the rational solutions of IAWs in the instability regime. Present study is useful for the understanding of IAWs in the region where such mixed distribution may exist.

Review on Plasma Edge Analysis Using the Auto-Correlation and Probability Distributions of Fluctuations

We have reviewed the plasma edge fluctuations analysis over a wide range of plasma and field parameters in the IR-T1 tokamak. Fluctuation levels and spectra were measured using two arrays of Langmuir probes on the edge region. Under almost all conditions the edge plasma was turbulently unstable, with a broadband fluctuation spectrum in the drift wave range of frequencies f = 10–1000 kHz. A stable state was observed only in the very cold, low-current discharge formed at unusually high neutral filling pressure. Otherwise, the relative fluctuation level as monitored by the ion saturation current was very high while the fluctuation power spectra were roughly invariant in shape. The relative fluctuation level was always highest near the wall and decreased monotonically toward the plasma centre.

Influence of a strong longitudinal magnetic field on laser wakefield acceleration

Optimization of the beam quality and electronic trapped charge in the cavity are key issues of laser wake field acceleration. The effect of an initially applied uniform magnetic field, parallel to the direction of propagation of the pump pulse, on the laser wakefield is explored. First, an analytic model for the laser wakefield is built up in the case when such an external magnetic field is applied. Then, simulations are performed with a 3D quasi-cylindrical particle in cell code in the blowout (or bubble) regime. Transverse currents are generated at the rear of the bubble which amplify the longitudinal magnetic field. For several plasma and laser parameters, the wake shape is altered and trapping can be reduced or cancelled by the magnetic field. When considering optical injection, and when two counterpropagating waves interact with a rather high plasma density, trapping is not affected by the magnetic field. In this range of plasma and laser parameters, it is shown that the longitudinal magnetic field can reduce or even prevent self-injection and enhance beam quality.

Electromagnetic drift waves dispersion for arbitrarily collisional plasmas

The impacts of the electromagnetic effects on resistive and collisionless drift waves are studied. A local linear analysis on an electromagnetic drift-kinetic equation with Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook-like collision operator demonstrates that the model is valid for describing linear growth rates of drift wave instabilities in a wide range of plasma parameters showing convergence to reference models for limiting cases. The wave-particle interactions drive collisionless drift-Alfvén wave instability in low collisionality and high beta plasma regime. The Landau resonance effects not only excite collisionless drift wave modes but also suppress high frequency electron inertia modes observed from an electromagnetic fluid model in collisionless and low beta regime. Considering ion temperature effects, it is found that the impact of finite Larmor radius effects significantly reduces the growth rate of the drift-Alfvén wave instability with synergistic effects of high beta stabilization and Landau resonance.

Excitation of Chirping Whistler Waves in a Laboratory Plasma.

Whistler mode chorus emissions with a characteristic frequency chirp are important magnetospheric waves, responsible for the acceleration of outer radiation belt electrons to relativistic energies and also for the scattering loss of these electrons into the atmosphere. Here, we report on the first laboratory experiment where whistler waves exhibiting fast frequency chirping have been artificially produced using a beam of energetic electrons launched into a cold plasma. Frequency chirps are only observed for a narrow range of plasma and beam parameters, and show a strong dependence on beam density, plasma density, and magnetic field gradient. Broadband whistler waves similar to magnetospheric hiss are also observed, and the parameter ranges for each emission are quantified.

Kinetic instability of drift magnetosonic wave in anisotropic low beta plasmas

The kinetic instability of the obliquely propagating drift magnetosonic wave for temperature anisotropic low beta plasmas is studied by using the gyro-kinetic model. The interplay between the temperature anisotropy and the density inhomogeneity free energy sources is discussed in order to provide stabilization of drift instability by the temperature anisotropy effect. It is shown that the anisotropy suppresses the growth rate when the anisotropy ratio Ae,i (=T⊥(e,i)/T∥(e,i)) is greater than unity, whereas it enhances the growth rate for Ae,i<1. Comparison of kinetic instability with reactive instability [Naim et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 102112 (2014)] and the scaling of growth time with the diffusion and the anisotropy relaxation times are presented. Additionally, the stability analysis applicable to a wide range of plasma parameters is also performed.

Comparative measurements of plasma potential with ball-pen and Langmuir probe in low-temperature magnetized plasma

The ball-pen probe (BPP) is used for direct plasma potential measurements in magnetized plasma. The probe can adjust the ratio of the electron and ion saturation currents Isat−/Isat+ to be close to one and therefore its I-V characteristic becomes nearly symmetric. If this is achieved, the floating potential of the BPP is close to the plasma potential. Because of its rather simple construction, it offers an attractive probe for measurements in magnetized plasma. Comparative measurements of plasma potential by BPPs of different dimensions as well as one Langmuir probe (LP) in an argon discharge plasma of a cylindrical magnetron were performed at various experimental conditions. An additional comparison by an emissive probe was also performed. All these types of probes provide similar values of plasma potential in a wide range of plasma parameters. Our results for three different BPP dimensions indicate that the BPP can be operated in a cylindrical magnetron DC argon discharge if the value of the ratio of the magnetic field and neutral gas pressure, B/p, is greater than approximately 10 mT/Pa.