Observation of an Ion-Beam-Driven Instability in a Magnetized Plasma
Abstract
We have observed, by CO2-laser-light scattering, large-amplitude electron-density fluctuations with kλD~0.1 and a narrow angular spread in k--> about the direction normal to a transient shocklike distance. This shock propagates radially inwards in a cylindrical plasma [ne=(1-6)×1013 cm-3, Te<~1 eV] having an axial magnetic bias field of 170 G. The observed fluctuations are seen in a narrow region in front of the shock where a stream of reflected ions passes through the background plasma, and are thought to be driven by this stream.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- June 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.42.1750
- Bibcode:
- 1979PhRvL..42.1750G
- Keywords:
-
- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Ion Beams;
- Light Scattering;
- Magnetohydrodynamic Stability;
- Theta Pinch;
- Density Distribution;
- Electron Density (Concentration);
- Light Beams;
- Luminous Intensity;
- Magnetic Fields;
- Plasma Physics