High Power Experiments in VX-10

In the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory VASIMR experiment (VX-10) we have measured a plasma flux to input gas rate ratio near 100power levels up to 10 kW. The plasma source is being developed to supply a dense target with a high degree of ionization for ICRF acceleration of the flow in an expanding magnetic field. An upgrade to 20 kW helicon operations is underway. Recent results at Oak Ridge National Laboratory show enhanced efficiency operation with a high power density, over 5 kW in a 5 cm diameter tube. Our helicon is presently 9 cm in diameter, so comparable power densities will be achieved in VX-10. We have operated with a Boswell double-saddle antenna design with a magnetic cusp just upstream of the antenna. Recently we have converted to a double-helix half-turn antenna. ICRF experiments have been performed as 1.5 kW that show significant plasma flow acceleration, doubling the flow velocity. A 10 kW ICRF upgrade is underway. Results from high total power ( ∼ 30 kW) experiments with this new helicon antenna and ICRF acceleration are presented.