Rotation of Plasma Layers with Various Densities in Crossed ExB Fields

TL;DR

This study investigates how plasma layers with different densities rotate in crossed electric and magnetic fields, revealing their velocity differences, dependence on magnetic field strength, and estimating the radial electric field in the plasma.

Contribution

It provides experimental measurements of plasma layer rotation velocities and their dependence on magnetic field strength using microwave fluctuation reflectometry.

Findings

Rotation velocities differ between plasma layers of various densities.

Rotation velocity increases with magnetic field induction.

Radial electric field strength in plasma layers is estimated.

Abstract

The rotational velocity of plasma layers with various densities in a pulsed reflex-discharge plasma is studied with the use of the two-frequency microwave fluctuation reflectometry. The difference between the angular rotational velocities of plasma layers with different densities is revealed, and their time dependences are determined. The rotational velocity of plasma layers is found to increase with the magnetic field induction. On the basis of the experimental data obtained, the radial electric field strength in the plasma layers concerned is evaluated.