Preceding studies have shown that wave-induced anomalous ion heating is occuring in the Caltech Encore toroidal plasma facility. Wave-induced anomalous ion heating is not well understood and yet has applicability to plasmas in many domains, ranging from laboratory to astrophysical. The next experiment will use advanced plasma diagnostic techniques to determine the physical phenomena underlying this basic process. The special features of this approach are the following: (i) the plasma has a confined geometry free of end-walls, is highly reproducible over a large range of parameters, and has a unique high repetition rate; and (ii) an advanced diagnostic system (including Laser Induced Fluorescence) is now available with exceptional space and time resolution, full computer automation, and the ability to follow the evolution of particle and waves with the required detail. This program seeks to exploit this conjunction of technology and physics to obtain a fundamental understanding of how two basic aspects of plasmas -- particle and wave -- interact.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Physics (PHY)
Application #
8707338
Program Officer
Arthur Komar
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1987-07-15
Budget End
1991-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$540,548
Indirect Cost
Name
California Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pasadena
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91125