Study of a Supersonic, Magnetized Plasma Jet with a Magnetic Probe Array and High Frequency Wave Probe

Presented is a method to observe magnetic field characteristics in a three-dimensional volume as well as high frequency waves generated by a pulsed plasma source. This source will produce a plasma jet that exhibits instabilities and magnetic reconnection [1] inside Embry-Riddle’s two meter long, cylindrical plasma chamber. Magnetic reconnection is a process by which a portion of magnetic field energy is transferred into kinetic or thermal energy of plasma [1]. By observing the topology of the magnetic field at distinct locations over many pulses with the magnetic probe array, a three-dimensional vector space can be constructed for the plasma as it evolves over time. The magnetic field observations will be performed with a calibrated magnetic field probe array (MPA) as described in Ref. [2]. Design and calibration methodology for the high frequency array is motivated from instruments described in Ref. [3]. By interpreting these data over system parameter variations, the construction of an empirical model will be suggested for the plasma behavior. This study will investigate fundamental plasma physics, such as the drivers, effects and patterns of reconnection and may lead to a better understanding of ion heating, dynamics of the corona of our star and reconnection-preheated magnetized inertial fusion.