Preliminary antenna-driven EM wave measurements in the ALEXIS device

The Auburn Linear Experiment for Instability Studies (ALEXIS) is capable of generating magnetized plasmas that can support a variety of plasma instabilities and waves. ALEXIS is currently configured such that strong density gradients can appear in the plasma. Recent experiments are focused on both the production and detection of both electrostatic and electromagnetic waves in the ion cyclotron to low hybrid frequency regimes in ALEXIS. More specifically, an antenna has been constructed to drive waves inside of the plasma, and B-dot probes have been built to measure the associated magnetic field fluctuations. Initial tests have been done in which an RF plasma was produced inside ALEXIS, and EM waves were driven into the plasma via the antenna and measured with the B-dot probes. Results from the initial tests are discussed.