Design of an Improved 3-D Probe Assembly and Drive for the RSX Plasma
Abstract
The magnetic Reconnection Scaling eXperiment (RSX) allows researchers to study three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in both collisional and collisionless plasmas. Magnetic reconnection refers to the local breaking and subsequent rejoining of magnetic field lines and conversion of magnetic energy into particle energy. This phenomenon is directly related to solar flares and auroral displays. In the laboratory, magnetic reconnection influences the dynamics of the relaxation process in tokamaks and dynamo effects in reversed field pinches. Currently, a computer controlled probe assembly and drive with three degrees of freedom is nearing completion. A set of three orthogonal B-dot probes will enable researchers to locally measure changing magnetic flux in three dimensions within merging plasma and current channels over many identical shots. This probe assembly and drive, however, has some limitations. Probes (B-dot, Rogowski, and Langmuir) cannot be interchanged without destroying existing probes in the assembly. Thus for each new set of probes, a new, complex probe assembly must be fabricated. In addition, the system utilizes a remote position sensing system requiring close fits between ceramic materials and tight tolerances thus increasing the cost of each probe assembly. An improved second-generation system is being designed in an effort to reduce the system's overall size and complexity while allowing modular probes to be easily interchanged. The system must be constructed of nonmagnetic, high vacuum compliant materials.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DPPGP1045K