Investigation of the plasma column evolution and dynamics in the PW-7 plasma accelerator

Abstract

In this paper the results of measurements of the azimuthal component distribution of the plasma column magnetic field in the coaxial plasma accelerator PW-7 are presented. Registration of the magnetic field was performed by the magnetic probe method. The objective of the work is to investigate the plasma column dynamics and temporal evolution distribution by the magnetic field. It has been revealed that by using a dielectric (quartz) tube limiting the plasma column, the escape of charged particles from the discharge onto the walls of the vacuum chamber can be avoided. Through the use of a dielectric tube, the redistribution of the plasma column current in the accelerator led to a change in the shape of the probe signals. In addition, the plasma velocity was measured by the time of the plasma column front, passing between the bottom of the coaxial electrode and probe measuring system. Using a rectangular screen composed of ferromagnetic material provided magnetic shielding from the quasi-static magnetic fields of the plasma jumper between the electrodes. These results allowed investigating the major peculiarities of the complex behavior of the plasma column. The main objectives of investigations at the PW-7 facility include a detailed analysis of the probe system operation, studying the effects of different discharge scenarios on the magnetic probe signals.