Strong Axial Magnetic Field Research Articles

Three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic modeling of auto-magnetizing liner implosions on the Z accelerator

Auto-magnetizing (AutoMag) liners are cylindrical tubes that employ helical current flow to produce strong internal axial magnetic fields prior to radial implosion on ∼100 ns timescales. AutoMag liners have demonstrated strong uncompressed axial magnetic field production (>100 T) and remarkable implosion uniformity during experiments on the 20 MA Z accelerator. However, both axial field production and implosion morphology require further optimization to support the use of AutoMag targets in magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) experiments. Data from experiments studying the initiation and evolution of dielectric flashover in AutoMag targets on the Mykonos accelerator have enabled the advancement of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling protocols used to simulate AutoMag liner implosions. Implementing these protocols using ALEGRA has improved the comparison of simulations to radiographic data. Specifically, both the liner in-flight aspect ratio and the observed width of the encapsulant-filled helical gaps during implosion in ALEGRA simulations agree more closely with radiography data compared to previous GORGON simulations. Although simulations fail to precisely reproduce the measured internal axial magnetic field production, improved agreement with radiography data inspired the evaluation of potential design improvements with newly developed modeling protocols. Three-dimensional MHD simulation studies focused on improving AutoMag target designs, specifically seeking to optimize the axial magnetic field production and enhance the cylindrical implosion uniformity for MagLIF. By eliminating the driver current prepulse and reducing the initial inter-helix gap widths in AutoMag liners, simulations indicate that the optimal 30–50 T range of precompressed axial magnetic field for MagLIF on Z can be accomplished concurrently with improved cylindrical implosion uniformity.

Design and performance of a novel low energy multispecies beamline for an antihydrogen experiment

The ALPHA Collaboration, based at the CERN Antiproton Decelerator, has recently implemented a novel beamline for low energy (≲100 eV) positron and antiproton transport between cylindrical Penning traps that have strong axial magnetic fields. Here, we describe how a combination of semianalytical and numerical calculations was used to optimize the layout and design of this beamline. Using experimental measurements taken during the initial commissioning of the instrument, we evaluate its performance and validate the models used for its development. By combining data from a range of sources, we show that the beamline has a high transfer efficiency and estimate that the percentage of particles captured in the experiments from each bunch is (78±3)% for up to 105 antiprotons and (71±5)% for bunches of up to 107 positrons.8 MoreReceived 21 November 2022Accepted 8 March 2023DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevAccelBeams.26.040101Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.Published by the American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasBeam opticsPenning trapsPhysical SystemsLow- & intermediate-energy acceleratorsNonneutral plasmasAtomic, Molecular & OpticalAccelerators & BeamsPlasma Physics

Numerical simulations of flow around dual tandem circular cylinders under a strong axial magnetic field

This work is dedicated to understand the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow around two identical tandem circular cylinders confined in a duct under external axial magnetic field. The influences of magnetic field (represented by the Hartmann number Ha), inlet velocity of conducting fluid (represented by the Reynolds number Re), and the gap ratio (L/d, the ratio of the distance between the centers of two cylinders to the diameter of the circular cylinder) on the flow regimes, vortex shedding frequency, pressure coefficients, drag coefficients, and pressure drop are investigated. The simulations are conducted in the parameter ranges 2≤L/d≤8, 180≤Re≤1440, and 101≤Ha≤1818, respectively. Four flow modes are observed, namely, no vortex shedding, single body, reattachment regime, and vortex shedding (VS) modes, with various Ha/Re2 and L/d values. For L/d>5, the flow field presents the VS flow model, a vortex street with synchronous periodic shedding appears behind the two cylinders, and the vortex shedding frequency matches well with that of the single one. The pressure coefficient shows different tendencies because of the arrangement of two circular cylinders. It can be found that the mean drag coefficients for the upstream circular cylinder and the downstream circular cylinder vary with Re/Ha0.8. For Re=361, Ha=504 and Re=722, Ha=1212, the flow field remains almost unchanged, which implies the balance between inertial force and Lorentz force because the inertial force would promote the flow, while the electromagnetic force leads to the reverse effect. Furthermore, the effects of magnetic field and inlet velocity of metal fluid on pressure drop ΔP between inlet and outlet can be fitted as a linear relation ΔP∼ReHa.

Kilo-Tesla axial magnetic field generation with high intensity spin and orbital angular momentum beams

Absorption of angular momentum from a high intensity laser pulse can lead to the generation of strong axial magnetic fields in plasma. The effect, known as the inverse Faraday effect, can generate kilo-Tesla strength, multipicosecond, axial magnetic fields extending over hundreds of microns in underdense plasma. In this paper we explore the effect with ultrahigh intensity circularly polarized Gaussian beams and linearly polarized orbital angular momentum beams comparing analytic expressions with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We develop a model for the transverse magnetic field profiles, introduce a model for the temporal decay, and show that while the magnetic field strength is independent of plasma density, it has a strong dependence on the laser beam waist.

Subnanosecond breakdown of air-insulated coaxial line initiated by runaway electrons in the presence of a strong axial magnetic field

Flow of runaway electrons (RAEs) propagating in a radial, air-filled gap of coaxial line (CL) changes the dynamics of breakdown in the field of traveling voltage pulse. However, despite the effect of RAEs, breakdown does not occur if subnanosecond pulse is less in duration and amplitude than some values. In this work, we study the influence of an external axial magnetic field (B z) on the breakdown development. We demonstrate the transformation of the voltage pulse reflection from the ionized (breakdown) zone with changing B z. Due to gyration of fast electrons in an applied magnetic field, the gas region ionized by RAEs does not reach the anode. The ionized bridge between the cathode and anode is gradually replaced by a near-cathode plasma layer representing a discrete, reflecting/absorbing inhomogeneity in the CL.

Research on Solenoidal Permanent Magnet for Guiding and Focusing Annular Electron Beams

The vacuum oscillators generally utilize high current annular relativistic electron beams to generate high-power microwaves. The annular electron beams are usually guided and focused by strong axial magnetic fields. A permanent magnet is developed for the application of annular electron beams. The configuration of the permanent magnet is based on the Halbach structure. A new method is proposed to design this solenoidal permanent magnet. The permanent magnet flux source can generate a 0.88 T axial magnetic field at the interaction region and a peak field of 0.94 T. The diameter of its clear bore is 50 mm. The total weight of the permanent magnet is 320 kg. The design, fabrication, and test results are presented in this article.

Magnetohidrodinamičko kočenje i Džulov efekat zagrevanja kod rotirajuće ograničene cilindrične šupljine punjene tečnim metalom

The present research work investigates the MHD braking and Joules heating effect in a confined rotating cylindrical cavity packed with liquid metal. All walls, except the top and bottom portion of the sidewall, of the cylindrical cavity, are made of electrically as well as thermally conducting material. The cavity is exposed to both axial magnetic fields along with the axial temperature gradient, packed with the incompressible electrically conducting liquid. The MHD braking effect is experienced within the rotating liquid metal flow due to the presence of a strong axial magnetic field. It is discerned that MHD braking governs the primary, as well as secondary flow, and, reduces Joules heating effect. Moreover, the internal heat generation due to Joules heating is governed by rotating speed, Hartmann strength, and temperature gradient.

Modeling the Early Evolution of a Slow Coronal Mass Ejection Imaged by the Parker Solar Probe

Abstract During its first solar encounter, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) acquired unprecedented up-close imaging of a small coronal mass ejection (CME) propagating in the forming slow solar wind. The CME originated as a cavity imaged in extreme ultraviolet that moved very slowly (<50 km s−1) to 3–5 solar radii (R ⊙), where it then accelerated to supersonic speeds. We present a new model of an erupting flux rope (FR) that computes the forces acting on its expansion with a computation of its internal magnetic field in three dimensions. The latter is accomplished by solving the Grad–Shafranov equation inside two-dimensional cross sections of the FR. We use this model to interpret the kinematic evolution and morphology of the CME imaged by PSP. We investigate the relative role of toroidal forces, momentum coupling, and buoyancy for different assumptions on the initial properties of the CME. The best agreement between the dynamic evolution of the observed and simulated FR is obtained by modeling the two-phase eruption process as the result of two episodes of poloidal flux injection. Each episode, possibly induced by magnetic reconnection, boosted the toroidal forces accelerating the FR out of the corona. We also find that the drag induced by the accelerating solar wind could account for about half of the acceleration experienced by the FR. We use the model to interpret the presence of a small dark cavity, clearly imaged by PSP deep inside the CME, as a low-density region dominated by its strong axial magnetic fields.

Effect of a strong axial magnetic field on swirling flow in a cylindrical cavity with a top rotating lid

Behavior of swirling flow in a cylindrical container with top rotating lid has been investigated under the influence of a strong axial magnetic field. The flow is assumed to be axisymmetric for the parameters considered in the study. The flow domain consists of a cylindrical cavity with a top rotating lid packed with viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid, e.g. liquid metal. A steady magnetic field acts perpendicular to the bottom wall of the cavity. When the top rotating lid rotates an Ekman boundary layer develops in vicinity to the top rotating lid. However, the presence of a Hartmann boundary layer not only restrains the vortex breakdown but also shifts its position to some extent. All the walls of the cavity are assumed to be electrically insulated.

Modeling of plasma jet of vacuum arc with copper-chromium cathode under action of strong axial magnetic field

This paper deals with the computer simulation of a vacuum arc with composite cathode under action of external axial magnetic using hybrid model. The described hybrid model treats the electrons as a massless fluid and ions as macroparticles. It is shown that the average charge state of ions in a jet of a vacuum arc increases with increasing magnetic field. The calculation results are consistent with experimental data.

Landau damping in cilyndrical inhomogeneous plasmas

We study the Landau damping for electromagnetic waves in a inhomogeneous cylindrical plasma in the presence of a strong axial magnetic field. For this task we use the kinetic theory for plasmas. This kind of phenomena can not be studied using only macroscopic fluid models. The results of our work can be relevant to identify the behavior of different electromagnetic normal modes propagating through the system, in particular, the energy of the damped modes can be transferred to the plasma particles through resonant interactions and according to the mode polarization can be used in modern particle accelerators based in plasmas.

Relativistic Charged-Particle Beam Space-Charge Limited Current in Finite Length Coaxial Drift Tube

In the strong axial (guide) magnetic field and uniform beam density approximations, we calculate scalar potential distribution induced by axisymmetric annular relativistic charged-particle beam in a finite-length coaxial drift tube. This scalar potential distribution allows us to find an approximate radial position at which the extremum of the scalar potential is attained in the coaxial drift tube inside the annular relativistic charged-particle beam. By knowing the approximate extremal radial position, we obtain the analytical estimate for the space-charge limited (SCL) current of axisymmetric annular (finite thickness) relativistic charged-particle beam propagating in strong axial magnetic field in a finite length coaxial drift tube and establish a simple correspondence of this result to that in a long coaxial drift tube. A comparison of numerical nonlinear calculations and the analytical estimate for the SCL current in the finite-length coaxial drift tube is also given.

Effect of axial magnetic field tapering on whistler-pumped FEL amplifier in collective Raman regime operation

The dispersion relation of the FEL Amplifiers is sensitive to the linear tapered strong axial magnetic fields, electron cyclotron frequency and plasma frequency of electrons. For the synchronism of the pumped frequency, it should be closed to electron cyclotron frequency which is resonantly enhanced the wiggler wave number that produces the amplifier radiation for higher frequency from sub millimeter wave to optical ranges. The guiding of radiation signal into the waveguide and charge neutralization phenomenon, the beam density should be greater than the background plasma density with tapered strong axial magnetic field. It is quite considerable that radiation signal slowed down at much higher background plasma density comparable to the density of beams and enhanced the instability growth rate also. In Raman Regime operation, the growth rate decreases as increases with operation frequency of the amplifier, however, the growth rate is larger in this regime. It is noted that as increases with background plasma density, the beat wave frequency of the Ponderomotive waves is increases thus the mechanism of background plasma density can serve for tenability of the higher frequencies. The tapering of the strong guided magnetic field is a crucial role for enhancing the efficiency of the net transfer energy as well as reduction of interaction region along the axis. It is observed that, an efficiency of the transfer energy enhanced by while the reduction along the interaction region of about with the variation of tapering in a strong axial guided magnetic fields.

Helical instability in MagLIF due to axial flux compression by low-density plasma

The MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion) experiment at Sandia National Labs is one of the three main approaches to inertial confinement fusion. Radiographic measurements of the imploding liner have shown helical structuring that was not included in MagLIF scaling calculations but that could fundamentally change the viability of the approach. We present the first MagLIF linear dynamics simulations, using extended magnetohydrodynamical (XMHD) as well as standard MHD modeling, that reproduce these helical structures, thus enabling a physical understanding of their origin and development. Specifically, it is found that low-density plasma from the simulated power flow surfaces can compress the axial flux in the region surrounding the liner, leading to a strong layer of axial flux on the liner. The strong axial magnetic field on the liner imposes helical magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor perturbations into the imploding liner. A detailed comparison of XMHD and MHD modeling shows that there are defects in the MHD treatment of low-density plasma dynamics that are remedied by inclusion of the Hall term that is included in our XMHD model. In order to obtain fair agreement between XMHD and MHD, great care must be taken in the implementation of the numerics, especially for MHD. Even with a careful treatment of low-density plasma, MHD exhibits significant shortcomings that emphasize the importance of using XMHD modeling in pulsed-power driven high-energy-density experiments. The present results may explain why past MHD modeling efforts have failed to produce the helical structuring without initially imposing helical perturbations.

Sharply Focused Azimuthally Polarized Beams with Magnetic Dominance: Near-Field Characterization at Nanoscale by Photoinduced Force Microscopy

Azimuthally polarized beams are gaining fundamental importance for near-field force microscopy systems to inspect photoinduced magnetism in special molecules or nanostructures, due to their strong axial magnetic field and vanishing electric field. The magnetic dominant region represents a unique trait of such a beam as a potentially ideal structured light to probe photoinduced magnetism at the nanoscale. Therefore, we present a near-field characterization of an optical, sharply focused azimuthally polarized beam using photoinduced force microscopy, a technique with simultaneous near-field excitation and detection, achieving nanoscale resolution well beyond the diffraction limit. Such a method exploits the photoinduced gradient force on a nanotip, mechanically detected as forced oscillations of the cantilever in an atomic force microscopy system upon external light illumination. The photoinduced force is strongly localized, which that depends only on the near-field signal free from background scattering ph...

Linear analysis of an X-band backward wave oscillator with a circular-edge disk-loaded cylindrical waveguide driven by an annular electron beam

An X-band backward wave oscillator (BWO) with a circular-edge disk-loaded periodic metallic slow wave structure (CDSWS) is proposed and studied numerically. The structure is the modified version of our previously modeled semi-circularly corrugated slow wave structure (SCCSWS). The CDSWS is energized by an intense relativistic electron beam (IREB) which is directed by a strong magnetic field. The electromagnetic (EM) wave of the slow wave structure (SWS) merges with the space charge wave of the beam under the guidance of the strong axial magnetic field. The inner wall contour of CDSWS is modeled by a finite Fourier series and the dispersion characteristics of different TM modes are solved by utilizing the linear Rayleigh-Fourier (R-F) technique, which is verified by a commercial EM solver. To study the temporal growth rate (TGR) for the fundamental TM01 mode, the dispersion equation is solved for the beam current of 0.1-1.0kA and the beam energy of 205-665kV. For the TM01 mode, the TGR that occurs at the unstable region, which provides a qualitative index of the strength of the microwave generation, is compared with those of the BWOs with sinusoidally corrugated SWS (SCSWS), disk-loaded SWS (DLSWS) and triangularly corrugated SWS (TrCSWS) for different beam parameters. The dimension of the CDSWS is determined by comparing the dispersion characteristics of fundamental TM01 mode with DLSWS and SCSWS. For the same set of beam parameters, an average of 3.5%, 7%, 1.5% and more than 50% higher TGR have been obtained with the proposed CDSWS than that of SCSWS, DLSWS, TrCSWS and SCCSWS respectively. Moreover, the presented structure also provides an advantage in the fabrication process and is less prone to RF breakdown since it has no sharp edges in the inner wall where the electric field intensity can be infinitely high.

The plasma device for the high-heat plasma testing of refractory metals and inventing of new highly porous materials

A unique plasma device has been constructed at the NRU “MPEI” for the study of plasma-surface interaction and the high-heat plasma testing of refractory metals, such as tungsten, molybdenum, steel and other plasma facing materials used in fusion reactor including the ITER. This plasma device is a multi-cusp linear stationary plasma confinement system. It has power-saving characteristics as well as compactness due to the employment of the 8-pole multicusp magnetic field configuration instead of a strong axial magnetic field. Experiments are planned to develop a novel technology for highly porous surface structure of the refractory metal with a pore size and nanofibers of 50 nanometers including tungsten “fuzz”.

Performance of the CMS ME1/1 muon station

ME1/1 is a part of the endcap muon system of the CMS detector at the LHC (CERN). It plays the key role in the muon detection providing muon track matching with the CMS inner tracker. ME1/1 should provide high spatial and time resolution. The station is composed of 72 6-layer cathode strip chambers. The chambers were designed and produced at JINR (Dubna). ME1/1 is the innermost muon detector and operates in the strong axial magnetic field (B = 3 T) in the presence of high background of secondary particles. The paper presents the chamber design features and the ME1/1 station characteristics in the CMS runs with proton-proton collisions.

Wigner function and kinetic phenomena for chiral plasma in a strong magnetic field

By using the exact solutions of the Weyl equation in a constant magnetic field, the equal-time Wigner function for magnetized chiral plasma is derived. It is found that the dependence of the Wigner function on the component of momentum along the magnetic field is asymmetric and is correlated with the fermion chirality. Such a dependence is principal for reproducing the correct chiral magnetic and chiral separation effects. In the lowest Landau level approximation, the equation for the equal-time Wigner function in a strong magnetic field is derived. By making use of this equation, it is found that the longitudinal collective modes in a strong magnetic field are gapped plasmons whose gap is determined by the magnetic field. Unlike the ordinary magnetic field, an axial one allows for the dispersion law of the collective excitations asymmetric in the wave vector. The thermoelectric phenomena for chiral fermions in strong magnetic and axial magnetic fields are studied and the corresponding transport coefficients are calculated.

Dynamics of liquid metal droplets and jets influenced by a strong axial magnetic field

Non-contact electromagnetic control and shaping of liquid metal free surfaces is crucial in a number of high-temperature metallurgical processes like levitation melting and electromagnetic sealing, among others. Other examples are the electromagnetic bending or stabilization of liquid metal jets that frequently occur in casting or fusion applications. Within this context, we experimentally study the influence of strong axial magnetic fields on the dynamics of falling metal droplets and liquid metal jets. GaInSn in eutectic composition is used as test melt being liquid at room temperature. In the experiments, we use a cryogen-free superconducting magnet (CFM) providing steady homogeneous fields of up to 5 T and allowing a tilt angle between the falling melt and the magnet axis. We vary the magnetic flux density, the tilt angle, the liquid metal flow rate, and the diameter and material of the nozzle (electrically conducting/insulating). Hence, the experiments cover a parameter range of Hartmann numbers Ha, Reynolds numbers Re, and Weber numbers We within 0 < Ha < 440, 340 < Re < 4500, and 0.09 < We < 12.1. As major results we find that under the influence of the strong magnetic field, droplet rotation ceases and the droplets are stretched in the field direction. Moreover, we observe that the jet breakup into droplets (spheroidization) is suppressed, and in the case of electrically conducting nozzles and tilt, the jets are bent towards the field axis.