ABSTRACT
Results from a proof-of-principle experiment are presented that demonstrate it is possible to construct a completely optical, robust, and compact probe capable of spatially resolved measurements of magnetic field fluctuations smaller than 1 G over a frequency range of 1 Hz-8 MHz in a plasma. In contrast to conventional coil probes, the signal strength is independent of fluctuation frequency and the measurement technique is immune to electrostatic pickup. The probe consists of a high Verdet constant crystal, two polarizers, optical fibers, and a photodetector.
ABSTRACT
We report observations that confirm a theoretical prediction that formation of a current-free double layer in a plasma expanding into a chamber of larger diameter is accompanied by an increase in ionization upstream of the double layer. The theoretical model argues that the increased ionization is needed to balance the difference in diffusive losses upstream and downstream of the expansion region. In our expanding helicon source experiments, we find that the upstream plasma density increases sharply at the same antenna frequency at which the double layer appears.
