G J van Rooij et al 2009 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 51 124037 doi:10.1088/0741-3335/51/12/124037
G J van Rooij, H J van der Meiden, M H J 't Hoen, W R Koppers, A E Shumack, W A J Vijvers, J Westerhout, G M Wright and J Rapp
Show affiliationsA robust and sensitive Thomson scattering (TS) system has been developed for the high density low temperature plasma in the linear plasma generator Pilot-PSI, which routinely and reproducibly measures electron density and temperature profiles along a detection chord of 25 mm with a spatial resolution of 0.6 mm. The capabilities of the system are illustrated in this paper by a selection of new results from the research program at Pilot-PSI. TS data are presented that demonstrate the present plasma density record in Pilot-PSI: 5 × 1021 m−3 at a temperature of 3 eV. TS measurements in front of the target are combined with ion saturation current data to determine plasma velocities of 4–5 km s−1, which shows that heat convection is dominating over conduction. Single shot operation of TS is also possible, which is demonstrated by measurements revealing a rotating filamentary return current channel to the source anode. Finally, the TS system upgrade that will provide real time feedback of electron density and temperature in the larger plasma generator Magnum-PSI is discussed.
52.40.Hf Plasma-material interactions; boundary layer effects
Issue 12 (December 2009)
Received 19 June 2009, in final form 11 September 2009
Published 12 November 2009
G J van Rooij et al 2009 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 51 124037
D O Fuller et al 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 014011