Progress on the Multipole Plasma Trap: 3D PIC Simulations and Experimental Design

The Multipole Plasma Trap (MPT) project at the UAA Plasma Lab studies trapping of quasineutral plasma of various compositions (light ion-heavy ion, ion-electron, pair, antimatter) through the application of external radiofrequency (RF) electric multipole fields, with or without additional external magnetic fields. 3D particle-in-cell simulations (PIC) are conducted to explore trap stability and achievable density for various multipole orders, and to investigate phenomena such as the RF plasma sheath at the trapped plasma boundary. The PIC simulations guide the design of the first MPT electrodes and apparatus for laboratory tests, and the outlook for this experimental program is discussed.