Plasma injector to initiate breakdown in SSPX
Abstract
A plasma injector is being developed for the SSPX (Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment). The injector will provide a plasma pulse, which will initiate ionization of gas in the gun, and is expected to provide much better control over formation, fueling, and density. The previous method relied solely on gas injection. This prototype injector is based on a design used at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and has been modified for employment on the SSPX. Injected plasma is created by a pulsed high current, high-pressure gas discharge. In addition to the injector, a compact and flexible gas valve with variable gas-pulse duration is being investigated to supply gas to the injector.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004APS..DPPHP1073C