Particle Velocity Distribution Function, Magnetic Field, and Turbulence Measurements in the PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) Experiment

The PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) experiment employs non-perturbative, optical diagnostics for ion velocity distribution, electron velocity distribution, magnetic field, and turbulence measurements. Here we review the design and implementation of a pulsed laser induced fluorescence (LIF) system at 611.6616 nm for ion velocity distribution function measurements of argon ions; of a 532 nm Thomson scattering system employing an 850 mJ laser at 10 Hz for electron velocity distribution measurements; and of a 300 GHz microwave system for plasma density measurements and sub-mm wavelength plasma turbulence measurements. The same LIF system is also used to measure the Zeeman splitting of an argon neutral line at 696 nm. From the Zeeman splitting, magnetic field changes as small as 10 G are resolvable. All these diagnostic techniques are validated in a steady-state helicon plasma before being deployed in single and dual pulsed plasma gun discharges. The dual plasma gun discharges undergo magnetic reconnection as they evolve.