Instrumental Implementation of an Experiment to Demonstrate $\alpha\omega$-dynamos in Accretion Disks

The New Mexico Liquid Metal $\alpha\omega$-dynamo experiment is aimed to demonstrate a galactic dynamo. Our goal is to generate the $\omega$-effect and $\alpha$-effect by two semi-coherent flows in laboratory. Two coaxial cylinders are used to generate Taylor-Couette flows to simulate the differential rotation of accretion disks. Plumes induced by jets injected into the Couette flows are expected to produce helicities necessary for the $\alpha$-effect. We have demonstrated an 8-fold poloidal-to-toroidal flux amplification from differential rotation (the $\omega$-effect) by minimizing turbulence in our apparatus. To demonstrate the $\alpha$-effect, the experimental apparatus is undergoing significant upgrade. We have constructed a helicity injection facility, and are also designing and testing a new data acquisition system capable of transmitting data in a high speed rotating frame. Additional magnetic field diagnostics will also be included. The upgrade is intended to answer the question of whether a self-sustaining $\alpha\omega$-dynamo can be constructed with a realistic fluid flow field, as well as to obtain more details to understand dynamo action in highly turbulent Couette flow.